Ex-President Of Barcelona, Maria Bartomeu Arrested By Police Over Social Media 'Smear Campaign' (Photos,Video)

Police arrest super-club's ex-president Josep Bartomeu, their CEO, head of legal and search offices for evidence over social media 'smear campaign' against Lionel Messi and Co.

Josep Maria Bartomeu has been arrested by Spanish police for his involvement in the 'Barcagate' smear campaign scandal during his time as their club president.

Bartomeu is one of four people to have been arrested so far, with Barcelona's CEO Oscar Grau and head of legal services Roman Gomez Ponti two of those. Jaume Masferrer, who acted as an adviser to Bartomeu, is the other.

On Monday morning, Spanish police entered Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium in a seek and seize operation. Bartomeu turned into arrested at home. The Economic Crimes Unit of the Catalonia Police Force are overseeing the searches.

Spanish media stated the operation changed into associated with last yr's 'Barcagate,' in which club officers were accused of launching a smear marketing campaign towards modern-day and former gamers who had been critical of the club and then-president Bartomeu.

Star guy Lionel Messi, veteran defender Gerard Pique and former manager, now Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola had been among those focused by using the poor testimonies and social media posts.

Watch Video;