- Josep Maria Bartomeu says it is a possibility Barcelona may have to leave La Liga if the Catalonia region gained independence from Spain
- A referendum on the issue took place on Sunday despite being declared illegal
- The Spanish authorities cracked down hard on voters amid violent scenes
- Barcelona’s La Liga match with Las Palmas at the Nou Camp was played behind closed doors with thousands locked outside
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has admitted the club would have to consider the possibility of leaving La Liga if Catalonia gained independence from Spain.
A referendum on the issue – which had been declared illegal by the Spanish authorities – gained worldwide headlines on Sunday following a violent police crackdown on voters across Catalonia.
Amid the chaos, Barcelona’s league match with Las Palmas at the Nou Camp was played out behind closed doors because of security fears. Barcelona won the match 3-0.
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu admits the club may have to quit La Liga if Catalonia gained independence from Spain
Bartomeu gave a press conference in front of the Catalan flag on Monday evening
One consequence of the region gaining independence in the future may be that Barcelona have to withdraw from the Spanish top flight, with some reports suggesting over the weekend they could play in the English Premier League.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Bartomeu said: ‘This situation does not exist so far.
The eerie sight of empty stands at the Nou Camp as Barcelona play Las Palmas on Sunday
Security fears following the Catalan referendum led to the match being played behind closed doors at the Nou Camp
Barcelona take a corner against the unusual backdrop of the towering empty stands
But confusion reigned outside the stadium as supporters were locked out
‘But with regards to things that can happen in the future, it is something that the board of directors would discuss. It would be something to analyse calmly.
‘If we discuss the subject intensely then obviously we will find the best solution. But if this [independence] happens, the board of directors will see.’
Barcelona, who faced the prospect of a six-point deduction had they not fulfilled their fixture with Las Palmas, are currently five points clear of Sevilla at the top of La Liga having won all seven games so far.
Barcelona would have been docked six points had they failed to fulfil the fixture
There were shocking scenes on the streets of Barcelona as Spanish riot police prevented Catalan citizens from voting in the referendum
A riot police officer lashes out at would-be voters during nasty clashes on the streets
