FC Barcelona lead tributes to dead & injured in terrorist attack
FC Barcelona have led tributes to those killed and injured in the terrorist attacks in the Catalan city on Thursday.
Thirteen people died and more than 100 were injured when a van plowed into pedestrians in tourist hotspot Las Ramblas in the center of the city. Police have confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack.
United we are strong #TotsSomBarcelonapic.twitter.com/67kzvQW9NC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 18, 2017
Hours after the horrific events, the club offered its condolences on its official Twitter account.
READ MORE: FC Barcelona offer condolences following terrorist attack
“Deeply saddened by the attack on our city. All our thoughts are with the victims, their families and with the people of Barcelona,” the tweet read.
On Friday, a vigil was organized by the Catalan government and Barcelona’s City Council in memory of the victims of the attack at Placa de Catalunya, a prominent central square in the city. The memorial service was led by Spain’s King Felipe and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy.
United we are strong #TotsSomBarcelonapic.twitter.com/67kzvQW9NC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 18, 2017
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu and directors Pau Vilanova and Maria Teixidor Teixidó were among the club officials present to remember the dead.
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
The club also posted videos of a minute’s silence held by players and coaching staff at the team’s Camp Tito Vilanova training ground with similar memorials being held at academy grounds Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and The Masia.
Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez was among the Barcelona players to express his sympathies on Twitter with the post: “Very shocked for what happened in Barcelona. All my support to the city and families!”
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
Goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen tweeted: “I'm deeply touched by what happened yesterday in my beautiful city. T'estimo (I treasure) Barcelona. We all need to be more united than ever!"
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
“Shocked by the tragedy at the Ramblas of Barcelona,” Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic wrote.
Conmocionado por lo ocurrido en las #Ramblas. Toda mi fuerza para víctimas y familias
— Ivan Rakitic (@ivanrakitic) August 17, 2017
Shocked by the tragedy at the #Ramblas of #Barcelona 🙏
The club announced Ernesto Valverde’s team will wear black armbands at their Spanish league opener against Real Betis on Sunday - as will all other La Liga clubs - and will also hold a minute’s silence at the game.
#TotsSomBarcelonapic.twitter.com/c8cU3clVin
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 18, 2017
“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 said in a statement.
“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 facilities.”