Barcelona was victorious Friday in its battle for "freedom of expression."
After an administrative appeal was filed to the Madrid Courts over the Spanish government's decision to ban Estelada flags from Sunday's Copa del Rey final, the court ruled that pro-independence flags will be permitted when Barcelona takes on Sevilla at the Vicente Calderon.
Related: Barcelona appeals ban on Estelada flags at Copa del Rey final
The Estelada flag represents Catalan independence and is a common sight at the Camp Nou, particularly as Catalonia's fight for self-governance continues to gather support from the Spanish autonomous community's population.
From Barcelona's official website:
FC Barcelona has expressed its satisfaction with the judicial decision to allow the display of ‘estelada’ flags at the Copa del Rey Final against Sevilla FC this coming Sunday at the Vicente Calderón in Madrid.
The Club thus celebrates that the judge’s decision will allow the free expression of legal symbols and banners by its members and supporters.
At the same time, FC Barcelona expresses its concern about the reoccurrence of situations like the one on Wednesday, and which are an affront to the freedom of expression, and do nothing to benefit what has always been a celebration of football and sport.
The Club reiterates its commitment to the defence of the freedom of expression among its members and supporters.
Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia's pro-independence president, said he wouldn't attend the Copa del Rey final after Estelada flags were initially banned from the fixture. However, he reversed his decision upon hearing of the successful appeal.
Among the Blaugrana's current and former players who have voiced support for Catalonia's independence are Pep Guardiola, Bojan Krkic, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Eric Abidal and the late Johan Cruyff.
Last October, UEFA fined Barcelona €30,000, after supporters displayed Estelada flags during the club's Champions League fixture at home to Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
