Friday 20 May 2016 16:57, UK
Catalonian separatists will be allowed to display pro-independence flags at the Copa del Rey final on Sunday after a Madrid-based court accepted an appeal from Barcelona.
Government officials originally agreed the politically-charged 'Estelada' flags would be banned as part of security measures for the game at the Vicente Calderon.
However, Barcelona - who face Sevilla in the Sky Live final - felt aggrieved at the decision and lodged an appeal on the grounds that it was "an attack on the fundamental right of each and every individual to express their ideas freely."
A statement posted on Barcelona's website read: "FC Barcelona has expressed its satisfaction with the judicial decision to allow the display of 'Estelada' flags at the Copa del Rey Final against Sevilla FC this coming Sunday at the Vicente Calderón in Madrid.
"The Club celebrates that the judge's decision will allow the free expression of legal symbols and banners by its members and supporters.
"At the same time, FC Barcelona expresses its concern about the reoccurrence of situations like the one on Wednesday, and which are an affront to the freedom of expression, and do nothing to benefit what has always been a celebration of football and sport.
"The Club reiterates its commitment to the defence of the freedom of expression among its members and supporters."
Following a deep recession, the region of Catalonia has seen a rising separatist movement as the regional government seeks a split from Spain.
The club were fined 30,000 euros (£22,000) in 2015, as a result of fans displaying pro-Catalan independence flags during their Champions League final with Juventus, which breached UEFA's disciplinary regulations.
Both Sevilla and Barcelona will be targeting a prestigious double at Saturday's Copa del Rey final, which will air live on Sunday, at 8pm on Sky Sports 1 HD.
