A leading Barcelona fan group has criticised the number of ‘tourists’ at the recent El Clasico clash at the Camp Nou who expressed ‘sympathy’ for Real Madrid.
Seguiment FCB lay the blame at the club’s ticketing policy for the match, believing that it allowed too many so-called tourists into the stadium, many of whom adorned the colours of Los Blancos, leading to ‘tense moments’ when Sergio Ramos netted a late equaliser.
"The atmosphere was totally distorted by the massive presence of tourists in all sections of the stadium, several of whom were completely unconcerned by the development of the game," Seguiment FCB's statement reads.
"Some of them exhibited without disdain their sympathy for (Real Madrid) with shirts, scarves and hats. Their screaming and gestures at the time of the equaliser ended up creating a climate of unusual tension in a match of these dimensions.
"We request a deep reflection on the process of ticket sales and the management of season tickets for games between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"We request the club offer reduced prices at an earlier date to club members who don't have season tickets and then to supporters clubs, with tourist packages sold as the last option.
"Likewise, we demand strict control of the symbols which can be displayed within the stadium and a more relentless position against the resale of tickets. A club like ours cannot be a business for third parties."
The group are seen as a voice of authority for many Barca fans and fielded Joan Batiste Cuberta as a candidate for the 2015 presidential elections at the club, which were eventually won by Josep Maria Bartomeu ahead of Joan Laporta.
The group mainly campaign to improve away travelling options for fans and to ensure more ‘local’ fans getting ticketing preferences.
