Barcelona's first La Liga game of the season against Real Betis promises to be a highly emotional occasion as Lionel Messi and his team-mates get set to wear a unique kit designed to honour the 14 people who died and dozens who were injured on Thursday during a terrorist attack.
At least 14 people have died and 100 reported injured after a van ploughed into pedestrians in the busy tourist area of Las Ramblas and the nearby seaside town of Cambrils in Barcelona. The vehicle sped along the pedestrian area, mowing down people and sending others fleeing for cover.
According to a club statement, the players will take to the pitch wearing unique shirts for the match to pay respect.
“Barcelona's first team will make their 2017/18 La Liga debut against Betis on Sunday in a match dedicated to the victims of the attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils.
“The Club is planning to hold a minute’s silence before kick off inhonourof the victims and have also received special permission from the league to play in a shirt with the hashtag #TotsSomBarcelona on the front and ‘Barcelona’ on the back instead of names.
“The Club’s thoughts are with the victims of the attack and their families and friends.”
Valverde’s team will look to start their league campaign with a win to pay tribute to the victims in the best way possible.
