Lionel Messi and Barcelona stars pay tribute to victims of terror attack with minute’s silence
Nou Camp players and staff come together to pay their respects as rivals Real Madrid join them in remembering the 13 dead and dozens injured is Las Ramblas atrocity
BARCELONA players and staff came together to hold a minute’s silence on Friday to pay respect to the victims of yesterday’s terror attack on the city.
At least 13 people are dead while dozens suffered injury after a van ploughed down pedestrians in the popular tourist area of Las Ramblas.
Barcelona have already confirmed that players from all of their sides will wear black armbands this weekend while a minute’s silence will be held at all matches across the country.
The Nou Camp will host their La Liga opener against Real Betis on Sunday.
The Catalan outfit also showed their support ahead of the weekend as staff stood in a semi-circle at the club’s training ground for 60 seconds of silence.
Barca tweeted a clip of the tribute along with the hashtag TotsSomBarcelona (we are all Barcelona).
Lionel Messi was among the club’s stars to pay his respects to those who died in the terror attack on social media, posting a picture of the city’s skyline with a message in Spanish.
He wrote: “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.”
Other Spanish sides have also paid their own tributes, with rivals Real Madrid following suit with the minute’s silence ahead of training.
And two of their biggest Galacticos were quick to offer their support online.
Cristiano Ronaldo tweeted: “Dismayed by the news arriving from Barcelona. Full support and solidarity with the family and friends of the victims.”
While Gareth Bale said: “Thoughts are with everyone in Barcelona tonight.”
Barcelona released a statement after the atrocity, which read: “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.”
