'Puta Barça' Chants Cost Athletic Bilbao Club Money
The fine was imposed following repeated chants of 'Puta Barça' from the home crowd at San Mamés. The RFEF said the language used was 'not simple expressions of disapproval' but 'expressions of hatred that incite violence'.
ℹ️ Información del Athletic Club en relación con cánticos objeto de multa por parte del Comité de Disciplina de la RFEF. #AthleticClub 🦁
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) August 6, 2025
The ruling has been upheld by both the Appeals Committee and the Administrative Court of Sport (TAD).
In a statement, Athletic confirmed the sanction and said they wished to 'reinforce the idea that respect is a fundamental principle of behaviour in the stands' ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The club said it hopes to prevent future incidents that could damage its image or lead to further financial penalties.
The match marked Barcelona's first visit to San Mamés since their failed attempt to sign Nico Williams in the summer of 2024, adding further tension to the fixture.
The RFEF said chants of this nature 'transcend the realm of criticism or sporting rivalry' and instead constitute 'a direct incitement to violence and rejection of certain groups'.
The two clubs are due to meet at least three times this season: on 22-23 November in Barcelona, on March 7-8 in Bilbao, and in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia.
Athletic's conduct in the stands is under increased scrutiny. UEFA fined the club €50,000 during their Europa League tie against Manchester United, with an additional €34,000 fine following their match against Roma. By February, general director Jon Berasategi confirmed fines totalling €110,000 for offensive chanting. Tags: AtBarcelonarfefSan Mamés
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