By Daily Sports on July 12, 2016

A Barcelona spokesperson has defended the club's social media campaign in support of Lionel Messi after the forward received a 21-month jail sentence from a Spanish court for being found guilty of fiscal fraud.

In addition to the sentence - Messi is unlikely to spend any time in prison as any sentence of less than two years for non-violent offences can be served under probation according to Spanish law - the Argentinian was fined €2million for three counts of tax fraud, though he will appeal his conviction at the Supreme Court.

Barca subsequently set up a social media campaign for fans to back Messi, a move that drew criticism.

However, Josep Vives claims the 29-year-old has been treated unfairly and defended the club's commitment to showing solidarity with their talisman. 

"Messi is being treated unfairly and the club is taking a position to defend him. Our conscience is clear and we will not back down," said spokesperson Vives.

"We are talking about Messi, a lad who was 19 years of age when he signed those contracts and it has been demonstrated that he did not know how it worked at that moment.

•Culled from goal.com. Photo shows Lionel Messi

Source Daily Sports

Posted July 12, 2016

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