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!"
The prison sentences handed out to Messi and his father are likely to be suspended as is normal in Spain for first offences for non-violent crimes carrying a sentence of less than two years.
The four-day trial also fined the 29-year-old five-time world player of the year 2.09 million euros while his father was fined 1.6 million euros.
The pair have vowed to clear their names and are appealing the guilty verdicts in Spain's Supreme Court.