Barcelona filed a formal complaint with UEFA regarding tifos containing violent and discriminatory imagery, displayed by some Paris Saint-Germain supporters..

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported on Saturday that FC Barcelona has filed a formal complaint with UEFA regarding tifos containing violent and discriminatory imagery, displayed by some Paris Saint-Germain supporters during the recent Champions League match between the two clubs at the Parc des Princes.

According to the report, a section of PSG fans displayed a massive tifo in one of the main stands featuring Michael Myers—the iconic villain from the American horror film franchise Halloween, wearing a PSG jersey and wielding a blood-stained chainsaw, with which he was shown cutting through the FC Barcelona crest. The banner was accompanied by the caption "Massacre, Parisian Style."

Furthermore, PSG supporters in various parts of the stadium displayed tifos and chanted slogans containing profanities directed at FC Barcelona, actions that have incensed the management of the Catalan club. 

In an official statement, Barcelona declared: "FC Barcelona strongly condemns the incidents that took place during the display of a large tifos in the stands, which featured an image of a blood-stained chainsaw attacking the Barcelona club crest. Such imagery is deeply disturbing and conveys a message that incites violence and hatred within the realm of sports."

"Furthermore, banners containing explicit language—such as 'PUTA BARCA' (meaning 'F*** Barça')—were also displayed. We consider such imagery and rhetoric unacceptable, as they run counter to the core values of respect, fair play, and sportsmanship that football should uphold."

"We firmly believe that football should be a space defined by healthy competition, mutual respect, and a shared passion for the game—not a venue for messages that promote hatred or violence."

In response to these accusations, an official spokesperson for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defended the fans, explaining that the banner was created in the spirit of Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31st, and was inspired by the character "Leatherface" from the film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The club maintained that neither they nor their supporters intended to promote violence or discrimination.

However, the reigning La Liga champions rejected this explanation from the Parisian club and are insisting that UEFA take appropriate disciplinary action.

As of the time of writing, UEFA has not provided a response.

Should UEFA launch an investigation into the incident, Paris Saint-Germain could face disciplinary sanctions.

According to Article 16 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, if fans convey provocative messages—whether through gestures, words, objects, or any other means—that are deemed inappropriate for a sporting event (particularly those of a political, ideological, or religious nature, or which are otherwise offensive), the club in question may be held liable and could face a fine of €10,000 (approximately $11,220 or £8,380). 

In Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match, Barcelona were defeated 2–4 by Paris Saint-Germain. After three rounds of play, Barcelona sit in fifth place in the league phase.

The match took place against the backdrop of nationwide unrest that erupted in France on Saturday, with a nighttime curfew even imposed in parts of Paris.

Image source: Internet / AFP