The decision by Barcelona to ban Inter’s Nerazzurri colours in any section of the Camp Nou other than the away section has come under criticism in Italian media.
Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport brand the decision as hypocritical, and see it as a response to the embarrassment of what had happened in a Europa League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt last season.
Barcelona have announced that Inter’s traditional black and blue colours will not be allowed in sections of the Camp Nou other than where the travelling fans are seated.
This is widely believed to be a measure to prevent any Inter fans who have managed to purchase tickets outside the away end from making their presence clear.
Last season, in a match where Barcelona were knocked out of the Europa League by eventual winners Eintracht Frankfurt, the German club’s fans had managed to purchase a significant number of home tickets.
Accordingly, it was quite visible in the stands that the Eintracht colours virtually outnumbered those of the Blaugranas.
This was the source of no small amount of embarrassment for Barcelona.
As such, the Blaugranas look to be making absolutely certain that, even if Inter supporters are able to purchase tickets in the home sections of the stadium, a similar scene does not ensue.
For the Gazzetta, however, this is hypocritical considering the Blaugranas’ supposed values, and has more to do with protecting their image than anything else.
