October 02, 2017

Pep Guardiola criticizes decision to play Barcelona vs Las Palmas behind closed doors

Guardiola, who managed Barcelona for four years between 2008 and 2012 , called on Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to answer questions after violent scenes broke out during Catalonia's unofficial independence referendum.

More than 750 people were reported to have been injured as security forces used rubber bullets and baton charges as they clashed with protesters in Barcelona.

Barcelona had attempted to get their LaLiga fixture with Las Palmas postponed following violent clashes in the city between pro-independence voters and Spanish police.

The request was rejected by Liga de Futbol Profesional, forcing Barcelona to announce their match would be played behind closed doors.

Guardiola said he would have been against the decision, telling Catalunya Radio and RAC1: "I wouldn't have played the Barca-Las Palmas game, not at all.

"And if it did have to be played, then not behind closed doors. You do it with the public there. With all the consequences."

The 46-year-old Catalan, who represented Barcelona for over two decades as a player and coach, was also left shocked by the scenes of violence that were broadcast around the world as attempts to shut down the polls by Spain's Guardia Civil led to clashes.

The Madrid-based Spanish government had declared the referendum illegal. Voters were being asked whether they wish Catalonia to become an independent republic.

Guardola said: "The images don't lie, there were people who wanted to vote and they've been attacked with violence."

"There are more than 700 hurt...people who were going to vote, not rob a bank."

"Spain will try to hide the reality, but the rest of the world's media will show it."

"The images are clear and everybody knows what has happened."

"We don't want them to think that we don't like Spain. Spain is an incredible country, with its literature, sport, cities... But you need to understand that there's a population who want to decide their future."

"The Prime Minister of the Spanish government must accept questions, continue being the Prime Minister of all Spaniards."

"The laws are different now to 30 years ago. Everything's changed."

"The message from the Prime Minister of the Government, from the opposition, has made me sad."

"Why can't we learn from the British, who have had many more years of democracy then us?"

Pep Guardiola criticizes decision to play Barcelona vs Las Palmas behind closed doors

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