A campaign is underway for Football Club Barcelona to adopt the yellow loop, a symbol of support for those in prison or exile for their roles in the 2017 independence push, for the club to "act as a megaphone for the unjust situation faced by those in prison and in exile who promoted and defended the self-determination referendum on 1st October [2017]". The initiative has released a manifesto (link in Catalan) signed by various public figures.
The campaign explains that it's not a question of political positions, that the intention is "to protect and foster the defence of democracy and the application of human rights". They emphasise that the idea is "faithful and in keeping with the club's history and its social majority". An accompanying video recalls club founder Hans (Joan) Gamper, who went into exile after the stadium jeered the Spanish anthem during the Primo de Rivera dictatorship, president Josep Sunyol, who was murdered by Francoist troops, and the Nit de les Senyeres, the first Barça-Madrid match after Franco's death, which saw a thousand senyeres (Catalan flags) fill the stadium in support of Catalonia's rights.
The initiative, called #MesQueUnLlaç ("More than a loop"), is promoted by a small group of Barça members and fans who don't belong to any political party. They explain they are "profoundly concerned by the violation of rights and freedoms which are today affecting the prisoners and exiles in the general case against the 2017 referendum".
What do they propose?
- That either side of the slogan "Més que un club" ("More than a club") painted in the stands, a yellow loop should be added.
- That a yellow loop in hung either side of the digital display screens in front of spokespeople when they give press conferences.
- That the yellow loop is added to the club's social media profiles.
- That the scoreboards have a yellow loop added for all first team games (for football, basketball, handball, futsal and hockey).
- That the main chair in the official box be left symbolically empty, except for a yellow loop.
- That friendly games should be held to collect money for the defence of the prisoners and exiles.
- That activities be held in support of the prisoners and exiles both in and out of club facilities, with its unconditional support.
The initiative has so far been supported by some fifty public figures, like the musician Quico Pi de la Serra, Catalan Parliament deputy Ferran Civit, the writers Màrius Sarra and Roger Vinton, Barcelona city councillor Jaume Ciurana and the activist and writer Liz Castro.