Barca defend Messi social media campaign

AFP, BARCELONA: Barcelona have defended their campaign on social media in support of Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar’s 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud.
“We are involved in a controversy in which there is the feeling that FC Barcelona has committed a tax crime whereas that is not the case,” said club spokesman Josep Vives on Monday.
The Spanish giants were only “defending someone who has been and is still being treated unjustly,” he added.
Last Friday Barcelona took to social media following Messi and his father’s conviction for avoiding paying taxes on 4.16 million euros of the player’s income earned from his image rights from 2007-09.
“Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open, the campaign is encouraging all Barça fans to express their sympathy for the greatest footballer in the world by voicing their unconditional support on social networks,” a statement on the club’s website explained.
“By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate.”
The statement was accompanied by a message of support on Twitter from club president Josep Maria Bartomeu: “Leo, those who attack you are attacking Barça and its history. We’ll defend you to the end. Together forever!”

Barca defend Messi social media campaign

AFP, BARCELONA: Barcelona have defended their campaign on social media in support of Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstars 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud. We are involved in a controversy in which there is the feeling that FC Barcelona has committed a tax crime whereas that is not the case, said club spokesman Josep Vives on Monday. The Spanish giants were only defending someone who has been and is still being treated unjustly, he added. Last Friday Barcelona took to social media following Messi and his fathers conviction for avoiding paying taxes on 4.16 million euros of the players income earned from his image rights from 2007-09. Using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi while posting a photo or message with both hands open, the campaign is encouraging all Bara fans to express their sympathy for the greatest footballer in the world by voicing their unconditional support on social networks, a statement on the clubs website explained. By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate. The statement was accompanied by a message of support on Twitter from club president Josep Maria Bartomeu: Leo, those who attack you are attacking Bara and its history. Well defend you to the end. Together forever!