Barcelona to forego shirt names in tribute to terror attack victims

Barcelona will pay tribute to the victim's of Thursday's terrorist attack by wearing shirts with the city's name on the back, rather than players' names.

Thirteen people were killed and more than 100 injured when a driver in a white van mowed down pedestrians on La Ramblas in the heart of the city of Barcelona.

"The first team will wear a special shirt with ‘Barcelona’ on the back where their names are usually displayed in Sunday’s LaLiga opener against Real Betis, a statement on the club's website read.

"This is to pay homage to all the victims of the recent terror attacks in Barcelona.

"Aside from these acts to pay tribute, there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off to commemorate all the victims and offer support to their friends and relatives, and all the citizens and visitors to the city," the statement added.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde said: "We would like to show our solidarity with the victims and their families in these difficult times. We are here to help in any way we can.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu was in attendance at a minute's silence observed at 11m on Friday in the city's Placa de Catalunya.

Barcelona's playing squad also took part in the silence during before their training session ahead of Sunday's La Liga opener versus Real Betis.

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