FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has come under intense fire from radical Catalan separatists after wearing a Spanish Civil Guard bracelet featuring the national flag. The player has not responded directly to the latest controversy, but he has previously stated that he is Valencian and Spanish, adding that anyone who does not understand that has a problem.
The backlash over the bracelet follows an earlier controversy during World Cup celebrations in the capital of Spain, where Torres went from national hero to a target for the radical left. While shirtless on the team bus during the parade, the striker drew widespread attention by wearing a cap with the slogan Make Spain Great Again.
The phrase adapted the Make America Great Again slogan popularized by Donald Trump during the recent election campaign in the United States. Aware of the controversy caused, Torres later went on stage with the cap turned backward, but the slogan went viral on social media and the hat became one of the most sought items by fans.
Political Reactions and Player Criticism
Following the celebration, critics on the political left launched severe attacks against the striker, accusing him of publicly aligning with the American far right and its exclusionary policies. Torres explained that the cap was part of a sporting moment unrelated to politics, but the explanation did not stop the criticism.
Every gesture, garment, and word from the footballer has since been scrutinized. Critics previously targeted him for wearing a cross around his neck and for making statements about his dream of playing for another club.
FC Barcelona supporters who resent his desire to leave the club joined radical independence advocates in criticizing his latest gesture with the Civil Guard bracelet. Torres has not made a direct public statement regarding the bracelet.
Criticism on Catalan Television
The controversy intensified on Catalan television during the TV3 program Onze, where publicist and contributor Lluís Carrasco launched a strong attack against the footballer. Carrasco described Torres as an outsider who has made no effort to integrate into the team.
Carrasco stated that when Torres wears a Trump cap and a Civil Guard bracelet, he should show a minimum level of respect and integration toward FC Barcelona. Carrasco added that the forward had committed footballing suicide at Barça, concluding that he would not cry if Torres leaves the club.
