Division In Barcelona F.C As Club Officials Considered Calling The Game Off after Trouble Between Police And Local Citizens.

Division In Barcelona F.C As Club Officials Considered Calling The Game Off after Trouble Between Police And Local Citizens.

  Club officials considered calling the game off after trouble between police and local citizens flared as a result of the Catalan independence referendum

The Barcelona dressing room was reportedly split over the decision to play against Las Palamas on Sunday.

Club officials considered calling the game off after trouble between police and local citizens flared as a result of the Catalan independence referendum.

Attempts to shut down the polls by Spain's Guardia Civil led to violent scenes described by Catalonia president Carles Puigdemont as "unwarranted, irrational and irresponsible".

Amid rising tensions in Barcelona, the two clubs looked like stoking the match into a political occasion, as Las Palmas had the Spanish flag embroidered prominently onto their match shirts to state their support for a united Spain.

  The match eventually went ahead behind closed doors but not before a fierce debate in the dressing room.

Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims that while most players wanted the game to go ahead for fear over being awarded a defeat by default, some insisted the game should not be played.

  The players in question reportedly argued that the club had always stood side-by-side with their fans and the local population, therefore they should not play as a form of solidarity with those protesting.

Spanish sports daily Marca reported on its website that Barcelona's Gerard Pique, who earlier was pictured casting his vote in the election, was among those who favoured not playing the match.

According to multiple reports in Spain, LaLiga authorities and the Spanish football federation (RFEF) wanted the fixture to go ahead as planned, and resisted requests from Barcelona for a postponement.

Barcelona were also reported to have consulted local authorities who gave the match clearance to proceed.

  A club statement said: "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 Liga de Futbol Profesional's refusal to postpone the game."

Source: Mirror Football.