School's place in Barcelona's history

THE famous blue and garnet colours have been synonymous with Spanish football side FC Barcelona for over 130 years. The distinct colours have always been used on the team kit, especially the shirt.

- By COURTNEY EALES ECHO Reporter

What some people may not realise is Barcelona and its colours may have had humble beginnings right here on Merseyside.

For many years, there has been speculation over the origin of Barcelona's colours. It is known that at the foundational meeting the name of the club had been decided but not the colours. At the second meeting on December 13, 1899, the blaugrana (blue and red) was chosen. Manel Gamper, grandson of the founder, Joan Gamper, always regretted not having asked his dad Joan-Ricard Gamper, who was the club's director in the 1970s, more about its history.

Michael Witty, grandson of player Frederick Arthur Witty, was lucky his dad lived until 89 and was able to speak at length about Barca.