Barcelona played their game against Las Palmas in an empty Nou Camp stadium.
Barcelona had requested the game be postponed due to the Catalan independence referendum but La Liga refused.
The league refused and threatened a heavy sanction – presumably a three or six-point penalty.
So Barca reluctantly agreed to play the game but, as a sign of protest, they insisted it could only take place behind closed doors.
The club issued a statement saying..“FC Barcelona condemns the events which have taken place in many parts of Catalonia today in order to prevent its citizens exercising their democratic right to free expression.Given the exceptional nature of events, the board of directors have decided that the FC Barcelona first-team game against Las Palmas will be played behind closed doors following the Professional Football League’s refusal to postpone the game”
They won 3 – 0 but Gerald Pique called it the worst game of his life.
“There was no act of aggression from the people today and yet the police have acted in the way that they have acted today,” Pique said.It was very difficult to play without our supporters and after all that has happened throughout Catalonia. It was my worse experience as a player.Grandparents have gone with their grandchildren today and have tried to vote and the images speak for themselves.”
Highlights ..
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