Players of Spanish football arch-rivals, Barcelona and Real Madrid, have paid tributes to victims of Thursday’s terror attack in the City of Barcelona.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes by posting heartfelt messages on their social media pages, as Barcelona announced they will wear black armbands for their match at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Luiz Suarez, Gareth Bale, and goalkeeper, Marc ter Stegen were not left out, following the terror attack that saw a van rammed into unsuspecting tourist and pedestrians in the busy Las Ramblas tourist area, killing at least 13 persons with 64 injured.
Very shocked for what happened in Barcelona. All my support to the city and families! pic.twitter.com/YDtyAiw7Qc
— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) August 17, 2017
Thoughts are with everyone in Barcelona tonight ??
— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) August 17, 2017
I’m deeply touched by what happened yesterday in my beautiful city. T’estimo Barcelona ❤?? We all need to be more united than ever ! ??? pic.twitter.com/uZe97nCaHI
— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) August 18, 2017
In an official statement released by Barcelona, the Catalan club said: “FC Barcelona wants to express its profound sorrow and utter disgust at the terrorist attack that has hit the heart 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.”
FC Barcelona join the minute’s silence. The President Bartomeu and Directors Vilanova and Teixidor represented the Club at Pl.Catalunya. pic.twitter.com/hYePU3Yz9b
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 18, 2017
“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 the club’s matches this weekend.”
Our players and coaching staff held a minute’s silence for the victims of the attack in Barcelona before training today.#RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/t0tFgmSVQt
— Real Madrid C.F.?? (@realmadriden) August 18, 2017
“On Sunday, before the 2017/18 La Liga opener against Betis, the Camp Nou will hold a minutes silence in recognition and memory of the victims.” the statement concluded.