Barcelona have reported Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA over a controversial banner displayed by the French club’s supporters before their Champions League meeting on Tuesday night, ESPN reports.
The banner was unveiled at the Parc des Princes as both teams entered the pitch. It showed a masked figure wearing a PSG shirt and using a chainsaw to destroy the Barcelona badge.
It also had blood-like marks, with the words “Massacre, Parisian style” written underneath.
Supporters also used pyrotechnics to create the appearance of sparks flying from the chainsaw as it cut through the Barcelona crest.
Barcelona considered the banner “overly aggressive and offensive” and had reported the incident to UEFA. They also complained about offensive chants directed at them during the match.
UEFA is expected to check the match delegate’s report to determine whether the banner was mentioned before deciding if any action is necessary.
It remains to be seen if UEFA will formally investigate or punish PSG for the banner.
PSG came out on top in the six-goal thriller at the French capital, claiming a 4-2 victory that sent them to the top of the Champions League table.
Desire Doue opened the scoring for PSG seven minutes before half-time, but Barcelona responded through academy prodigy Xavi Espart shortly after the restart.
Lucas Hernandez restored PSG’s lead in the 72nd minute, but Lamine Ballon d’Or nominee Lamine Yamal restored parity for Hansi Flick’s side just seven minutes later.
However, PSG ultimately overpowered their fellow European heavyweights as late goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz helped the French champions secure a third consecutive Champions League win.
It marked Barcelona’s first defeat of the season and ended their impressive 11-match winning streak.
Despite the victory, the controversial banner could now become a separate issue for PSG if UEFA decides that it broke the organisation’s rules on supporter behaviour.
Both clubs must quickly turn their attention to important domestic fixtures this weekend.
PSG will face Lyon in a high-profile Ligue 1 clash, while Barcelona prepare to host fierce rivals Real Madrid in the latest edition of El Clásico.