'Our fans don't whistle to look down on any symbol'

Barcelona and Sevilla will face off in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday and it is a subject that never stops being talked about; the reaction of Barcelona fans to the Spanish national anthem. It's these jeers and whistles that Bartomeu referred to, as well as the overall political situation in Catalonia. 

"On Saturday we will go to Madrid to compete for an important trophy. I ask our fans to enjoy the game and support the team in a peaceful manner. We have always asked of them that they respect symbols of identity, just as we would want our own to be respected," Bartomeu affirmed at the presentation. 

"I want to think that when a minority of our fans have expressed themselves by whistling, it is not to look down on any particular symbol, but to express their discontent at the action taken against the Catalan people in recent years. 

Bartomeu went on to ask for a quick resolution for the situation in Catalonia and made it clear that Barcelona would approach the cup final with respect. 

"The political situation in Catalonia is deadlocked, neither side seems to budge. We continue without a government, with politicians in jail or in exile. They are trying to solve in the streets what should be solved by the politicians. On Saturday we have the chance to take the high ground while defending what we believe in. We want to go into it with respect for everyone," he finished.