Pep Guardiola has been praised in Parliament for his “brave” support of imprisoned Catalan politicians.
Plaid Cymru’s Jonathan Edwards has tabled a motion for debate in the House of Commons which also criticises the Football Association for charging the Manchester City boss for wearing a yellow ribbon.
Mr Edwards has called on the UK Government to make representations to their Spanish counterparts to “respect the will of the people” of Catalonia.
Catalan native Guardiola, a former Barcelona captain and coach, has vowed to continue wearing a yellow ribbon despite the FA’s decision to charge him with “wearing a political message” – in breach of its “kit and advertising regulations”.
Four Catalan leaders are in prison for rebellion and sedition following October’s referendum on independence for the region, which was ruled illegal by Spain.
Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards (PA)
Plaid Cymru supports Welsh independence from the UK, with all four of the party’s MPs signing the early day motion (EDM) backing Guardiola.
Mr Edwards’ EDM states: “That this House applauds Pep Guardiola for his brave stance in support of the unjustly imprisoned Catalan independence leaders.
“(It) regrets the undemocratic actions taken by the Spanish Government to have imprisoned their political rivals.
“(It) condemns the decision by the Football Association to charge Pep Guardiola for wearing a yellow ribbon in support of the Catalan leaders, and calls on the Government to make representations to the Spanish Government to respect the will of the people of Catalonia and find a peaceful and democratic solution.”
An EDM is a formal motion submitted for debate in the Commons, although very few are actually debated.