FC Barcelona Extends Solidarity to London Supporters’ Club After Riverboat Tragedy

FC Barcelona has rallied behind the Peña Blaugrana of London following the sinking of the Bar&Co boat on the River Thames, which served as the peña’s headquarters. The club expressed its support through a letter from President Joan Laporta and a signed jersey from all the male first-team players. Additionally, the club’s Supporters’ Clubs department sent a package containing three footballs and various promotional materials such as gymsacks, stickers, pins, and pennants to PB London. Like the Club, Barcelona fans have shown solidarity with the London supporters’ club by actively participating in the crowdfunding campaign organized to assist the owners and workers of the boat that was their meeting place.

On January 4th, a violent storm caused the Bar&Co, a boat converted into a restaurant and party venue that had been the headquarters of the Peña Blaugrana of London for the past fifteen years, to sink in the River Thames.

“We have enjoyed many unforgettable nights at Bar&Co that will remain in our hearts forever. We started our journey in 2008 to witness the first game of a young Guardiola as a coach, experienced the memorable 2011 Champions League final at Wembley, and enjoyed countless league and Champions League matches. The atmosphere at Bar&Co was unparalleled, earning the nickname ‘Camp-Nou-on-Thames’,” read the statement released by the London supporters’ club after the tragedy. The statement also announced a crowdfunding campaign to help the owners and workers who suddenly found themselves without employment.

Following this appeal, the support from the world of supporters’ clubs and the overall Barça fanbase has been outstanding. In fact, the economic goal set in the crowdfunding campaign for Bar&Co has been surpassed.

“The response from the Blaugrana family has been impressive,” says Eduard Mañas, president of PB London. “Support has come from supporters’ clubs, supporters from all over, and many members who had passed through here,” he adds. Mañas is also very pleased with the support received from the club: “We are very moved and grateful to see how FC Barcelona has responded to our problem.”