LaLiga: Barcelona join Catalonia strike

LaLiga giants FC Barcelona have decided to join the protest in Catalonia on Tuesday following the violent crackdown by police forces of an independence referendum in the region on Sunday. The club issued a statement saying: "FC Barcelona joins the country wide strike called for by Table for Democracy and therefore the club will be closed tomorrow. None of the professional teams or the youth teams at FC Barcelona will train tomorrow." The Blaugrana didn't want to play their league match on Sunday but LaLiga officials demanded they played the game. They eventually won the match against Las Palmas 3-0 with no spectators in the stands. At least 92 people were injured and over 800 needed medical attention following the violent actions of the Spanish police forces on Sunday. Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club decided to play on Sunday behind closed doors as a protest against the violent clashes rather than because of security concerns. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, a former player and head coach at Barcelona, said that Sunday's match should not have been played. "I wouldn't have played the Barca-Las Palmas game, not at all," Guardiola said. "And if it did have to be played, then not behind closed doors. You do it with the public there. With all the consequences." Barcelona team captain Gerard Pique, an outspoken defender of Catalonia's right to self-determination, was in tears after the match against Las Palmas. He also announced his intention to retire from the Spanish national team if his beliefs are considered a problem. "I think I can continue," said Pique. "But if the board really thinks I'm a problem, I will take a step back and leave the national team before 2018. There are many people in Spain who disagree with what happened today and believe in democracy." Barcelona are still the favourites to win the LaLiga title this season, they are 4/7 at Bet365 to claim the crown.