Barcelona shut singing section indefinitely over dispute with fans

Barcelona have followed through on threats to close the singing section of the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic, and the Blaugrana will miss their most ardent fans during their Champions League clash.

The Catalan giants announced the move on Tuesday ahead of their match with Brest. They demanded 21,000 euros from the singing department due to insults and discriminatory behavior from La Liga and UEFA, and gave the singing department until midnight on Monday to pay the fine.

Having failed to do so, Barcelona have announced that the section, which has around 600 fans, will remain closed. The fans, made up of four supporters' clubs, have asked for a dialogue with the club as they feel it is unfair that they all have to pay a fine for the actions of specific individuals. The club notes that fourteen disciplinary cases were opened against these fans last season and that they did not adhere to the club's rules.

As a result, Barcelona will lose much of the home advantage until the matter is resolved. It is clear that the fans responsible deserve to be punished, but overall the attitude of the others is understandable. Likewise, Barcelona have become frustrated by the repeated nature of the incidents and as such have sought thoughtful action. Barcelona will play Las Palmas at home on Saturday after their match against Brest.