Repeated incidents in ultras section risked stadium closure

Barcelona suspended its main ultras section for the Alavés match after repeated incidents including offensive chants and violence, risking stadium closure under LaLiga sanctions.

Barcelona's board suspended Gol 1957, the club's primary ultras section at Spotify Camp Nou, for the match against Alavés following a pattern of disciplinary incidents. The decision sparked anger among supporter groups, who felt collective punishment was unfair after an isolated incident involving a fan striking Real Madrid's Camavinga with a flag.

However, the club acted to prevent stadium closure. LaLiga has filed multiple complaints with the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary commission over offensive chants, insults and incidents in the ultras section during matches against Real Madrid, Getafe, Racing Santander and Athletic Bilbao. The accumulated violations risked both heavy fines and potential ground closure—a catastrophic outcome that would eliminate matchday revenue and remove the team's home support.

Barcelona intends to reopen Gol 1957 for Tuesday's match against Aston Villa after dialogue with ultras representatives. The club wants supporter groups to commit to ending further violations, signalling a firm stance that these are not isolated incidents but a pattern requiring intervention.