Barcelona have condemned what they describe as the "disproportionate" use of force by police against their supporters ahead of Sunday's 5-0 La Liga victory over Elche at the Estadio Martinez Valero in Alicante.

Footage circulating on social media appears to show confrontations between officers and fans as they queued outside the ground before kick-off. The club stated that the force used to detain one supporter "lacked the necessary justification and appropriateness."

In an official statement, the club said: "FC Barcelona condemns the disproportionate use of force against club members and fans during the incidents that took place yesterday in the vicinity of the Martinez Valero stadium ahead of the league game against Elche. In particular, the club considers that the procedure used to detain one of our fans was disproportionate and that the use of force lacked the necessary justification and appropriateness."

The club also confirmed that they have made themselves available to the detained supporter and their family to provide any assistance required.

Estelada flags at the centre of the row

Barcelona also raised concerns over what they say was the confiscation of Estelada flags by officers. The Estelada is a symbol associated with Catalan independence and is commonly displayed by Barcelona's supporters at matches.

The club defended the flags' legality, stating: "The Estelada is a legally endorsed symbol and its display constitutes a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression. As such, it cannot in itself be considered an incitement to hatred or violence."

On the pitch, Barcelona produced a dominant performance, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez each scoring twice in the comfortable 5-0 win. BBC Sport has contacted local police and the regional government for a response.