After initially refusing to return from holiday for the resumption of the UEFA Champions League, departing FC Barcelona star Arthur Melo was refused entry to the Camp Nou to watch his teammates take on Napoli this past weekend.
The Brazilian has caused quite a stir in recent weeks after reportedly deciding he would not return to training for the remainder of the Spanish giants' Champions League campaign.
Before the continental competition resumed, Arthur was believed to be hoping to terminate his Barcelona contract ahead of his move to Juventus next season, despite the Catalan club having many injuries to contend with.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu, however, was appalled by the midfielder's behaviour, and announced that the club would take harsh disciplinary action against him.
Tensions increased this past Saturday when his colleagues took on Napoli in the second leg of their round of 16 UCL tie, as Arthur reportedly turned up as a spectator but was not allowed to enter the ground due to the strict protocols in place for Covid-19.
According to the Evening Standard, only 380 were people were allowed to be inside Camp Nou for the clash, with Barcelona's director of institutional relations, Guillermo Amor, admitting the 24-year-old was not on the list.
"Arthur didn't come here when he was supposed to, he didn't pass a PCR (test) with the club, from UEFA, he's off the list of people who can be inside the stadium and that's why he's not here," he told Movistar.
While the club is upset with the former Gremio player, he might feel aggrieved by the way in which his transfer to Juventus came about. Before the deal was confirmed, Arthur was reportedly desperate to stay at the Blaugrana and thus felt he was forced out of the club.
The 2019 Copa America winner joined the LaLiga giants in 2018, and played 44 matches in his debut campaign with the club, but featured just 28 times this season.
