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Bartomeu: An Empty Camp Nou Sends A Message

ByLaieke Abebe|
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 13: FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu leaves Spain's High Court on February 13, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu attended Spain's High Court after being impeached by judge Pablo Ruz in his investigation of the Catalan club's signing of Brazilian player Neymar Da Silva. Bartomeu is suspected of avoiding an estimated 2.8 million euros in tax. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 13: FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu leaves Spain's High Court on February 13, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. FC Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu attended Spain's High Court after being impeached by judge Pablo Ruz in his investigation of the Catalan club's signing of Brazilian player Neymar Da Silva. Bartomeu is suspected of avoiding an estimated 2.8 million euros in tax. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

In light of recent events pertaining to the situation in Catalonia, Barcelona’s 3-0 win over Las Palmas was played behind closed doors.

There was a chance the Barcelona-Las Palmas fixture would be cancelled due to the recent events in Catalonia. Despite the calls from Barca officials to call the match off, the match was played in an empty Camp Nou. It was quite the sight and it took the players a little bit of time to get used to playing in an empty stadium. In the end, Barcelona continued their winning run to start the season with a 3-0 victory over Las Palmas.

However, the result was the second most important thing happening in Catalonia this past weekend. The Catalonia referendum has been the biggest news story in Europe over the last few days. The referendum was overshadowed by riot police attacking peaceful protesters through the streets of Catalonia. If the population votes yes to independence from Spain, it could impact the sports teams in the area like Barcelona.

Reports suggest that Barca could be kicked out of La Liga if Catalonia becomes independent. It is a tough situation for all those involved and the club disapproved of playing the match. Barcelona released a statement ahead of playing Las Palmas saying they would play the match in an empty Camp Nou.

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Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu talked about how La Liga’s decision to play the match was a bad decision. In addition to that, he mentioned how playing in an empty stadium sends a message to the rest of the world.

"We tried to call the game off with La Liga, but when they said no we decided to play without supporters so that the entire world can see the situation in Catalonia and how we are suffering.”Bartomeu on Playing the Match This Weekend"

Overall, the population in Catalonia want their situation solved. Declaring independence from Spain would have a huge impact on the local sports teams. Many that have played or managed for Barca took the time to talk about this situation. Former player and manager Pep Guardiola said that he wouldn’t have played the match.

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The players seemed distracted for the most part this weekend, but the international break should help them regain their focus. Barcelona will not play for two weeks and then a tough part of their schedule comes up. They travel to play Atletico Madrid at their new stadium when La Liga action returns.

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