FC Barcelona has set up a campaign in support of Leo Messi following the sentence issued this week against the Argentinian and his father.
Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open, the campaign is encouraging all Barça fans to express their sympathy for the greatest footballer in the world by voicing their unconditional support on social networks.
“By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate,” read a website publication.
We are involved in a controversy in which there is the feeling that FC Barcelona has committed a tax crime whereas that is not the case,” said club spokesman Josep Vives on Monday.
The Spanish giants were only “defending someone who has been and is still being treated unjustly,” he added.
The website statement was accompanied by a message of support on Twitter from club president Josep Maria Bartomeu: “Leo, those who attack you are attacking Barça and its history. We’ll defend you to the end. Together forever!”
The four-day trial also fined the 29-year-old five-time world player of the year 2.09 million euros while his father was fined 1.6 million euros.
The pair have vowed to clear their names and are appealing the guilty verdicts in Spain’s Supreme Court.
However, they are unlikely to go to prison because under Spanish law, a first-time offender who receives a sentence of less two years for a non-violent crime does not serve jail time.