Barcelona post defiant ‘democracy’ message on their scoreboard at Nou Camp during La Liga clash against Las Palmas

John Hutchinson

Published: 16:44, 1 Oct 2017
Updated: 20:39, 1 Oct 2017

BARCELONA showed their support for the Catalonia independence referendum by posting the word 'democracy' on their scoreboard.

Their La Liga game against Las Palmas was played behind closed doors today as the club decided it wasn't safe in light of the violent protests going on throughout the region.

Within rows and rows of empty seats, Barcelona decided to post a very poignant message on the scoreboardCredit: Reuters

This was the defiant message that was posted on the Barca scoreboard reading 'democracy'Credit: Reuters

And after the Barca players came out for the pre-match warm-up wearing shirts in the colour of the Catalan message, a defiant message was lit up on the scoreboard.

It appeared the game had been called off due to ongoing troubles in the city with many defying the constitutional ruling and voting in the "illegal" Catalan referendum.

However, Las Palmas players warmed up ahead of the match amid unofficial reports the match was off — and Barca stars later did likewise.

Barcelona has been besieged with trouble today as citizens go to polling stations to register their vote in the Catalan referendum.

Spain's constitutional court had declared the vote illegal, and police had been charged with stopping people from registering their vote.

However, their violent approach has been met with widespread criticism.

Barcelona stood for their team photo at the Nou Camp wearing warm-up t-shirts in the colours of the Catalan flagCredit: Getty Images

Barcelona and Las Palmas are playing in front of an empty Nou CampCredit: Getty Images

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Los Mossos — Catalan police — had confirmed they had the numbers to cover the match, despite the initial fears.

That appeased La Liga, but not Barcelona, who still feared for the safety of the fans.

Earlier in the day, Pique had cast his vote in a referendum ballot that has not been recognised by the Spanish government.

As many as 98,000 fans were left outside the Nou Camp as confusion reigned ahead of Barcelona's game with Las PalmasCredit: Snapchat

Police clash with protesters in Barcelona which threatened the match against Las Palmas going ahead - so the decision was taken to close the gatesCredit: Getty Images

NOU ORDERS Barca-Las Palmas goes ahead behind closed doors after threat of six-point deduction

Las Palmas controversially wore a tiny Spanish flag on their jerseys and in a lengthy statement claimed it was to support a unified Spain.

But the move quickly backfired, with their own fans branding them fascists, asthe club's PR stunt came out on social media at the same time as shots of Catalonia residents' bloodied faces were also being seen by millions.