"The date must be determined by the federation"
In Catalonia, mass protests continue for several days. The number of detainees by Thursday reached several dozen people, and about 100 sought medical help.
The protests began after the Spanish Supreme Court sentenced 12 politicians last week to organize an illegal referendum on the independence of Catalonia, which took place two years ago. At the same time, dissatisfied citizens blocked the main transport arteries of Barcelona. In particular, they tried to occupy the airport of El Prat.
Meanwhile, holding the city between two main rivals in the national championship - Barcelona and Real Madrid may be in jeopardy. In the calendar of the current season of Examples, a principle meeting is scheduled for October 26, and there is very little time left before it.
If the protests do not end before this day, then El Clasico may not take place at all, which will be a big problem for fans, the leadership of the league, advertisers and television people. According to media reports, in the worst case, the game could be postponed to December 18. However, President Javier Tebas of Examples has already called such a development impossible.
“The date should be determined by the federation. A different procedure is applied there. Now we are engaged in adjusting the calendar. They are talking about December 18, but the matches of the Spanish Cup have already been scheduled for this day. In this case, we will negatively affect this tournament. Therefore, we need to calmly sit down and think things over, ”quoted Mundo Deportivo as saying in Tebas.
Initially, it was talked about the possible transfer of the match to Madrid to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. In this case, the teams would simply switch circles and play in Barcelona on March 1. But such a situation categorically did not suit Barcelona, although the club was ready to hold el-clasico on December 18th.
Now, “Barcelona” with “Real” can only wait for the verdict of the committee Examples of the competition, which, according to media reports, should be announced before October 21. However, there was almost no faith that the match would be held on the agreed date, since not only the Examples leadership, but also the Royal Spanish Football Federation opposed this.
However, the head coach of Barca Ernesto Valverde is confident that the match will take place on time.
“I don’t know what decision the Spanish Football Federation will make. We will do everything they say. But there is still time for maneuver. If the match was scheduled for tomorrow, then perhaps it would not have taken place. But there are still nine days ahead, ”quotes Valverde Marca.
Meanwhile, blue-garnet has already experienced difficulties due to the tense situation in the city. This coming Saturday they will find a much calmer (in terms of sign) away match of the national championship with Eibar. And the team may have to get on it by bus. Serious traffic jams are observed in Barcelona due to protests. In this regard, players may simply not get to the airport or get stuck there for a long time.
For example, the midfielder of the Catalans Ivan Rakitić got into a curious situation. Returning to Spain from the location of the Croatian national team, he was forced to get to the house from the airport on foot, since it was not possible to get to the city by transport.
“Expressing support to the families of those deprived of their liberty”
Barcelona itself did not stand aside from the protests and issued a special appeal after the verdict to local politicians.
Barcelona is one of the leading organizations in Catalonia and, in connection with its history, makes a statement in defense of freedom of expression and the right to choose. Imprisonment did not resolve the conflict. Today’s court decisions will certainly not help, because jail is not an option. The resolution of the conflict in Catalonia should occur solely as a result of political dialogue. In connection with the latest events, the club asks all political leaders to launch a dialogue and negotiation process to resolve the conflict and release prisoners of civil and political leaders. We also express support and solidarity to the families of those deprived of their liberty, ”the club says on Instagram.
The protestors were supported in one form or another by such legendary personalities as Barcelona defender Gerard Pique, known for his active political position, record holder for the number of matches for the Xavi team and former head coach of the blue garnet Josep Guardiola, who won a big deal with Barca number of trophies.
“By a ruling, the Supreme Court of Spain launched a direct attack on human rights, including the right to freedom of assembly and demonstration, the right to freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial. This is unacceptable in 21st century Europe. Spain becomes an authoritarian state that uses anti-terrorism laws to call dissenting criminals. And even to persecute artists who demand freedom of expression, ”said Guardiola.