Prosecutors open probe over “put Catalonia” chants at Atletico-Villarreal

Madrid’s Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into chants of “putBarça and put Catalonia” directed by part of the Atletico Madrid crowd during the Aug. 23 home match vs Villarreal, Mundo Deportivo reports. The case stems from a complaint filed at the start of September by Acció Cassandra.

Investigation after complaint

Acció Cassandra asked for the possible identification of those responsible and for the collection of match recordings and reports. It pointed to the timing: the chants were heard when Julián Álvarez, linked with Barcelona, came on in the 66th minute.

The association argues the conduct could fit Spain’s hate crime provisions under Article 510.1 of the Criminal Code, as the remarks are public, collective and insulting towards a group defined by national belonging. It also cites Article 22.4, which adds an aggravating factor when discrimination is tied to national origin or belonging to a nation.

The Prosecutor’s Office agreed to examine the incident in a resolution dated Oct. 7. In a statement, Acció Cassandra called it a “relevant first legal step,” saying the complaint was not dismissed and that a formal investigation path has been opened for “catalanophobia” against the Catalan national minority.