Barcelona and Real Madrid will travel to the Clasico on Wednesday from the same hotel as part of a large-scale security operation aimed at reducing the impact of Catalan independence protests. Barca called for calm around the fixture, asking fans “to come to the game at Camp Nou on Wednesday to support the team”. The Clasico was supposed to be played on October 26 but the RFEF decided to postpone “due to exceptional causes”. Barcelona has historically had a close association with Catalan nationalism, with Camp Nou routinely used as a setting for flags, banners and chants in support of the cause. At a meeting in Madrid last week, the RFEF warned it “will apply the regulations in force,” which range from heavy economic sanctions to the closure of Camp Nou to supporters.

Source: Punch December 18, 2019 09:11 UTC