Football is more than just a sport; it must be played with morality and values. Barcelona fan group, Grada d’animació (Animation Stand), is known for it’s loyal and consistent support for the Catalans. However, Laporta has recently demanded the group for a 21,000 euros fine due to inappropriate chants and actions. Club captain Raphinha has offered to pay the fine of his pocket to let their stand return. Let’s break down the skipper’s act of generosity.
Who Are Grada d’animació?
The Grada d’animació is a group of FC Barcelona fans who cheer on and support the players. The fan group comprises four groups: Almogàvers, Front 532, Nostra Ensenya, and Supporters Barça. The group is renowned for its passionate support for Barca and vocal presence at games.
But, in November, the Blaugrana authorities imposed a 21k euro fine upon the group because of poor behaviour and chants. The group even displayed a Nazi banner in the match against Monaco and said some offensive chants against Sevilla.
The Skipper’s Kind Gesture
Raphinha’s decision to offer €21,000 out of his pocket is astounding. It shows the love, passion, and commitment the Brazilian holds for Barca. A player who has already won the hearts of many culers, this gesture further cements his status as a passionate culer.
However, it must be noted that controversy arises regarding the reason behind the fine. If the fine is due to racist or extremist behaviour, I believe the club or any player must not be paying to reinstate the group. The group has fourteen violations, apart from the Nazi symbolism, over the last season, and this shows serious, more profound issues with this fan section.
The Grada d’Animació Ban
The Grada d’Animació section in the stands is known for creating an electrifying atmosphere at Camp Nou and Montjuic, and the team has been missing its absence. Raphinha and the Barcelona team look for more and more support from the fans in this final stretch of the season, as we have a lot of home games in the La Liga campaign.
However, the Grada d’Animació’s ban had consequences that should not be ignored. Laporta, showing an iron hand, enforced necessary discipline and imposed a penalty and ban upon the group. Still, I think the fine is quite excessive, as punishing an entire section might be a little unnecessary, and individual offenders should be targeted and banned.
Raphinha’s heart is definitely in the right place. While the Brazilian’s gesture is note-worthy, clubs sometimes have to draw the line between enthusiasm and poor behaviour. Banning an entire supporter group is also an unjustified approach.
What is your take on this situation? Should Laporta and his administration prioritize principles or bring back the Grada d’Animació section to boost fan atmosphere?