Barcelona complains to UEFA about PSG's shocking banner

Barcelona has reported Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to UEFA over a shocking banner shown by the French club’s fans before their UEFA Champions League match at Parc des Princes.

The banner, revealed by PSG supporters behind one of the goals before the match on Tuesday, showed a masked person in a PSG shirt using a chainsaw to destroy the Barcelona crest.

Underneath the image were the French words “massacre, Parisian style.”

Barcelona strongly criticized the display. They called the imagery disturbing and accused the fans of encouraging violence and hatred in football.

In a statement to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the Spanish club said, “The club strongly condemns the incidents that took place when the tifo was displayed in the stands, including the images of a blood-covered chainsaw attacking the Barca crest.”

The club added that the images sent a message that incites violence and hatred in sports. They insisted that such displays were not acceptable and went against the values of respect, fair play, and sportsmanship.

“Football should be a space for healthy rivalry, mutual respect, and passion for the game, free from messages that promote hatred or violence,” Barcelona stated.

Other banners with explicit messages were also shown during the game, prompting Barcelona to voice their anger over the actions of PSG fans.

Barcelona’s complaint could lead to UEFA looking into the matter under Article 16 of their disciplinary rules. This article bans gestures, words, objects, or any means that send provocative messages deemed unsuitable for a sporting event.

The rules allow for disciplinary actions, including a fine of €10,000 (£8,381) for a first-time offence. However, any punishment would depend on UEFA's evaluation of the incident and the relevant disciplinary guidelines.

This incident took away attention from the Champions League match, where PSG won against Barcelona 4-2 in the French capital.

Barcelona came into the match after winning their first two games in the tournament, but this marked their first loss of the season.

BBC Sport mentioned that it contacted UEFA and PSG for comments on the issue. No official response from either organization was included in the report.