One of the first reactions to this morning's announcement of the verdicts in the Catalan independence trial came from one of the world's biggest sports clubs: Catalonia's own FC Barcelona. In a short statement "[in] defence of freedom of expression and the right to [self-determination]", the club emphasises that "prison is not the solution" and calls for "political dialogue" to resolve the conflict.
The club asks "all political leaders" to "now more than ever" look towards leading "a process of dialogue and negotiation to resolve this conflict, which should also allow for the release of [the] convicted civil and political leaders." Finally, Barça expresses "its support and solidarity to the families of those who are deprived of their freedom."
The response isn't a surprise. President Josep María Bartomeu recently noted that Barça had acted with "firm commitment in defence of the country, of democracy, of freedom of expression and of the right to decide" over the last few years. Home matches have also regularly featured demonstrations from fans in support of the prisoners.
Gerard Piqué, one of the club's Catalan stars, retweeted the club's statement with a comment: "Proud to be part of this Club."