Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Milne

Barcelona vs Real Madrid could be postponed for second time amid political unrest

One of the biggest games in world football is in danger of being pushed back for a second time, with Barcelona's clash with Real Madrid scheduled for December 18 set to be postponed.

El Clasico is one of the most watched sporting events in the world every year, with a huge interest in Spain's top two clubs doing battle.

However, the game which was initially scheduled for October 26 was not able to be played due to protests in Barcelona following the jailing of nine Catalonian political leaders.

Although tensions in the city have eased slightly since then, the group Tsunami Democratic are planning another protest at the Nou Camp just four hours before kick-off in the rearranged fixture, meaning the authorities may have no choice but to call the game off yet again.

Protests have been taking place in Barcelona in recent months (REUTERS)

Tsunami Democratic is a Catalan group which is advocating for a self-determination referendum on the independence of Catalunya from Spain, and they are planning to establish four rally points around the Camp Nou stadium in the hours leading up to the game.

Over 18,000 people have registered their interest in attending the event, and their presence could mean the game is unable to be played.

(SIPA USA/PA Images)

In a statement Tsunami Democratic said: "At the moment, a large part of the Catalan population suffers exclusion for reasons of ideology. Catalans cannot exercise their fundamental rights without repression, nor can they exercise their rights to self-determination. Dozens of people are or have been in prison simply for exercising and promoting these rights."

The Spanish FA (RFEF) have so far insisted the game will go ahead as planned, but the fresh plans of protest may force them into a re-think.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are currently tied at the top of La Liga, with both recording 34 points after 15 games, although Barca are top by virtue of goal difference.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.