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Spanish authorities Monday moved to fine FC Barcelona 66,000 euros (HK$565,000) and Athletic Bilbao 18,000 euros over last season’s cup final where fans of the Catalan and Basque sides whistled Spain’s King Felipe VI and booed the Spanish national anthem.
The state Higher Sports Council proposed the sanctions for “behaviour whose aim was to transform the sporting event into a stage for political demands through intolerant acts”.
These included “whistling the national anthem and His Majesty the King”, patron of the cup, the council said in a statement.

It also proposed a 123,000 euro fine for the Royal Spanish Football Federation as organiser of the Copa del Rey final at Barcelona’s Nou Camp ground on May 30, which Barca won 3-1.
Fans of both sides drowned out the Spanish national anthem with boos and whistles at the start of the match as Felipe stood solemn-faced.
The controversy came at a time of high political sensitivities, with Catalan leaders campaigning for independence from Spain ahead of a key regional election expected in September.
Similar scenes have been seen in Hong Kong, with Fifa warning fans of the national team not to boo China's national anthem again. 
FC Barcelona called the council’s decision “unjust and unacceptable” and said it would challenge both parts of the fine.
The European and Spanish champions “will defend the freedom of expression of its members and fans,” it said in a statement shortly after the council announced its decision.
“The events in the Nou Camp reflected a feeling. They were not organised nor channelled by the club but the club totally respects them.”
 


Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao fined after their fans booed Spanish national anthem

Barcelona fans have been warned about displays of Catalan nationalism. Photo: AP

Barca won the final 3-1. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong fans may be shut out of World Cup qualifiers if booing of national anthem continues

A Hong Kong fan boos the national anthem at the World Cup qualifier between Hong Kong and the Maldives last month. Photos: AP

Fifa says giving the thumbs down to national anthems, like some Hong Kong soccer fans did at the World Cup qualifying game against the Maldives, will not be tolerated. 

Fifa has a cheek to lecture Hong Kong fans about booing China national anthem - but they ought to heed the warning

Hong Kong fans boo the Chinese national anthem at the 2018 World Cup Asian qualifying match between Hong Kong and Maldives. Photo: AP

Fifa has been dogged by scandal in recent months, yet it has waded in over the booing of the Chinese anthem. Photo: EPA

Hong Kong fans made their feelings known shouting "We are Hong Kong" during the city's last World Cup qualifier. Photo: AP

Sport

Football

Spanish authorities Monday moved to fine FC Barcelona 66,000 euros (HK$565,000) and Athletic Bilbao 18,000 euros over last season’s cup final where fans of the Catalan and Basque sides whistled Spain’s King Felipe VI and booed the Spanish national anthem
