Barcelona Vow to Fight 'Unjust' Fine for Copa Del Rey Final Whistles

Barcelona are prepared to launch legal proceedings after Spain's Anti-Violence Committee handed the club fines totaling €66,000 for the supporters' whistling of the national anthem during the Copa del Rey final.

As reported by Football Espana (via Eurosport), "Barca's fine breaks down as €6,000 for 'inaction against a political protest' and €60,000 for a breach of security obligations."

An official club statement detailed the Blaugrana's feeling of how "unjust" the action is, and how officials plan to combat the punishment, reported by Sport:

"

Barcelona consider unjust and unacceptable the proposed €6,000 fine dictated by the Anti-Violence Committee for for alleged inaction against a political protest, during the last final of the Copa del Rey played at the Camp Nou.

FC Barcelona openly and bluntly rejects the decision of Anti-Violence Committee and announces that it will launch the appropriate legal procedures to cancel this proposed penalty.

Again remember that FC Barcelona will defend the freedom of expression of its members and fans and the events in the Camp Nou were the reflection of a feeling, not organized or encouraged by the entity, but the club fully respects it, as has been expressed in the allegations presented.

Regarding the proposed penalty of 60,000 euros for an alleged breach of the required security obligations, the club will also present the relevant claims.

"

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Both Athletic Bilbao, who Barca beat 3-1 on May 30, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have also received penalties from the Anti-Violence Committee, reported Football Espana.

Barcelona and many of the side's supporters identify as Catalan rather than Spanish. This is highlighted on a weekly basis with Senyera flags clearly visible wherever the side plays. Barca's 2013-14 away kit even donned the red and yellow colouring.

Joan Laporta, one of the club's recent presidential candidates, underlined the importance of independence during his recently failed campaign to return as FCB chief, reported Moises Llorens of AS: "If Catalunya becomes independent Barca won't be lost in the world. We're committed to the process of Catalunya becoming independent."

Many Bilbao supporters are also committed to securing independence for the Basque region. Although many expected the final to take place in Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium, anticipation of both sets of fans jeering the Spanish national anthem allegedly led to Los Blancos president Florentino Perez dismissing this notion, per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC.

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The final was eventually played at Barca's Camp Nou, creating an atmosphere that was always going to promote political tension: two pro-independence clubs, situated in the heart of Catalonia, listening to the Spanish national anthem.

Although Barca won't be affected by the financial implications of the fine, moving forward with legal proceedings is likely a matter of principle. The club stands by its supporters and members who often control major decisions within Barca's walls (such as voting Josep Maria Bartomeu into a second successive spell as president).

Reprimand for the expression of political ideas is nothing new for Barca, who recently received a €30,000 fine from UEFA for the unravelling of pro-Catalan flags during the Champions League final win over Juventus, reported the Associated Press (h/t Yahoo Sports). As noted on the club's website, legal proceedings are also being looked into with this case in mind.

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Barca are currently working through a transfer ban after the illegal signing of minors, so they are well-versed when dealing with authorities in football. This has barely affected the club's transition under Luis Enrique—highlighted by winning three trophies in his opening campaign—but quicker progress can be made when the limits are removed in January 2016.

While Barca are more than healthy on the pitch, the Anti-Violence Committee's sanctions are likely to anger those who are keen to express their feelings toward an issue that far outweighs football. It is going to take far more than a monetary sum to stop supporters from unifying in this manner.