The Government spokesperson and Minister of Territory, Sílvia Paneque, reported that the Government Delegation in the Valencian Community has opened an internal investigation to analyze the events. According to Paneque, the Delegation has stated that no specific order was issued to confiscate Catalan flags at the Elche stadium, leaving open who made the decision on the ground.
The minister recalled that the only prohibited items in stadiums are those inciting violence or hatred, and defended that Catalan flags are part of the political and civic expression. She advocated for freedom of expression to bring legal flags to stadiums, provided they do not contain violent messages, and noted that removing these symbols in a peaceful context violates this right.
Paneque justified the delay in the Government's reaction, which was made public this Tuesday, more than 24 hours after the match, arguing the need to have information about the police investigation. She assured that the condemnation of violence has been clear and that formal explanations have been requested.
Regarding contact with the affected young fan, the minister admitted that she is not aware of any direct communication from the Government, neither with him nor with his circle or the club, beyond official monitoring. She indicated that the fan has mechanisms to take legal action, such as administrative or criminal complaints.
Finally, Paneque insisted on the importance of the investigation opened by the Government Delegation to understand the protocol followed by the agents and whether disproportionate force was used, with the aim of assigning responsibilities and preventing similar situations from recurring.
