Barcelona’s players and coaching staff held a minute’s silence before training on Friday in tribute to the victims of the terror attack in the city.
At least 13 people died and dozens were injured on Thursday when a van ploughed into pedestrians in Barcelona’s busy tourist area of Las Ramblas in the Catalan capial, Barcelona.
Barca had already confirmed that players of all their teams would wear black armbands during games this weekend – the senior side begin their La Liga campaign against Real Betis at the Nou Camp on Sunday – while a minute’s silence will be held at matches across Spain.
The Catalan club also showed their support for those affected by the attack on Friday morning, with players and staff standing in a semi-circle at the club’s training ground while holding a minute’s silence.
Barca tweeted a short video of the tribute along with the TotsSomBarcelona (we are all Barcelona) hashtag.
Lionel Messi was among those to take to social media to pay his respects to those who died in the atrocity, posting a picture on Instagram showing the city’s skyline – including the famous Sagrada Familia – with a message in Spanish.
Messi writes: ‘I want to send my condolences and all my support to the family and friends of the victims of the terrible attack on our beloved Barcelona, as well as totally rejecting all forms of violence
We are not going to yield, we are far greater and we want to live in a world of peace, without hatred and where respect and tolerance are the foundations of harmony.’
A minute’s silence will be held ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with Betis at the Nou Camp on Sunday, as well as at matches across Spain.
The club expressed its ‘profound sorrow and utter disgust’ at Thursday’s atrocity, with stars past and present sending messages of sympathy and support.
Barcelona said in a statement: ‘FC Barcelona wants to express its profound sorrow and utter disgust at the terrorist attack that has hit the hear of our city, la Rambla de Barcelona. The club wishes to send our support and thoughts to the victims, their families and friends as well as the people of Barcelona and its visitors.
‘As a mark of respect, the flags will fly at half-mast at the club’s installations and the players from both teams will wear black armbands in all matches this weekend.
‘On Sunday, before the 2017/18 La Liga opener against Betis, the Nou Camp will hold a minute’s silence in recognition and memory of the victims.’
The Spanish Football Federation issued a statement expressing its ‘total condemnation’ of the attack and asking for a minute’s silence to be held before matches across the divisions.
The likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar were among those to express their shock and sadness.
