14 Facts About Arthur Witty

Arthur Witty Cotton, known as Don Arturo, was a footballer, club president and businessman.

Arthur Witty was a successful trader and his family company, the Witty Group, continues to operate today.

Arthur Witty was the son of Frederick Arthur Witty, a British entrepreneur, who settled in Barcelona.

Legend has it that the Arthur Witty brothers imported the legendary club colours, the blaugrana, from the original colours used by Merchant Taylors' rugby team.

Arthur Witty was a member of the FC Barcelona team which won its first ever trophy, the Copa Macaya in 1902.

Arthur Witty played for FC Barcelona in 1902 when they were invited to enter the first ever Copa del Rey.

Arthur Witty helped the club win the Copa Barcelona in 1903.

Between 1899 and 1905 Arthur Witty played 74 games, mainly as a full-back for FC Barcelona.

Arthur Witty became president of FC Barcelona on 17 September 1903 after having previously served on the board of directors.

The latter was one of several young reserve players Arthur Witty introduced into the team.

Arthur Witty organised the club's first trip abroad which resulted in their first game against a non-Spanish team.

In June 1924 Arthur Witty briefly became involved in controversy when he invited the British Royal Marine band that played God Save the Queen at Les Corts, after their attempts to play the Spanish national anthem were jeered.

Arthur Witty served as President of the Barcelona Ship Agents Association until 1936 and was a leader in the Barcelona and Spanish shipping communities.

Arthur Witty returned during the Franco years and regained his status as a leading shipping agent.