Barcelona have launched a social media campaign in support of Lionel Messi after their star player was found guilty of tax fraud.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner and his father Jorge were issued with 21-month prison sentences by a Spanish court on Wednesday.
The pair were accused of failing to pay more than £3m to the tax authorities between 2007 and 2008, allegedly hiding money earned from image rights in overseas tax havens.
Neither Messi nor his father is likely to go to jail, though, as under Spanish law, sentences less than two years can be suspended.
After the ruling, Barcelona pledged their support to the prolific forward, and now they are encouraging fans to do the same by using the hashtag #WeAreAllLeoMessi on social media.
The Catalan club are also asking supporters to take photographs holding their hands open to signify solidarity with the footballer, who is believed to be earning more than £250,000 per week.
It's time to show our support: #WeAreAllLeoMessi. Add your voice to the campaign 👐 https://t.co/ld9dyidoXO pic.twitter.com/mNnfeZxl17
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 9, 2016
A statement on the club's official website read: "The campaign is encouraging all Barca fans to express their sympathy for the greatest footballer in the world by voicing their unconditional support on social networks.
"By making it clear that #WeAreAllMessi, we want Leo to know that he is not alone. All members, supporters clubs, fans, athletes, media and everyone else are invited to participate."
Both Messi and his father have denied any wrongdoing.
