Paris Saint-Germain could face UEFA action after Barcelona filed a formal complaint over a provocative banner displayed by the French club’s fans on Tuesday night.
The incident occurred before the Champions League group game at the Parc des Princes, which PSG won 4-2.
Just before kick-off, a section of home supporters unveiled a large tifo. It depicted a masked man wearing PSG colours attacking the Barcelona badge with a chainsaw. Underneath, a message read “massacre à la parisienne” which translates to “Paris-style massacre”.
The display was said to be a reference to the classic horror movie The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
On Wednesday, Barcelona confirmed it had reported the matter to the UEFA delegate assigned to the match. The club also complained about offensive songs chanted by PSG fans during the game.
In its reaction, Barcelona said the banner crossed the line of sporting rivalry. According to the La Liga side, the image with a blood-stained chainsaw destroying its crest promotes violence and hatred and goes against the values of respect and fair play.
Reports in France suggest PSG had cleared the tifo before it was displayed. The French champions have not yet commented publicly on the complaint.
Under UEFA rules, specifically Article 16, clubs can be punished for transmitting provocative messages unfit for a sports event. Such an offence usually attracts a fine of around €10,000 for a first violation, pending UEFA’s investigation.
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