Barcelona vs Las Palmas to go ahead behind closed doors amid Catalan referendum chaos as Gerard Pique casts vote
Riot police have been forced to fire rubber bullets to disperse crowd who have taken to street for controversial vote
BARCELONA'S La Liga fixture against Las Palmas will be played behind closed doors despite the city descending into chaos during a vote for Catalan independence - and club attempts to cancel it.
Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu's formal request to postpone the La Liga clash was rejected by the Professional Football League.
And rather than risk facing a points deduction, the Catalan club confirmed the match will go ahead.
A club statement read: "FC Barcelona condemns the events which have taken place in many parts of Catalonia today in order to prevent its citizens exercising their democratic rights to free expression.
"Given the exceptional nature of events, the board of directors have decided that the FC Barcelona first team game against Las Palmas will be played behind closed doors following the Professional Football League's refusal to postpone the game."
The city of Barcelona erupted into chaos as locals attempted to vote for Catalan independence.
Riot police were apparently forced into using rubber bullets to disperse crowds gathering to vote, with reports of violence emerging from both Catalonia and Madrid.
The vote was declared illegal by Spain's constitutional court — and police are attempting to stop locals from registering.
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It is understood around 38 people have been injured in clashes as the day kicks off in chaotic fashion.
And Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has condemned the "unjustifiable violence" of the Spanish state
Catalonians voted against independence in 2015.
Barcelona players and retired stars have had their say on the situation, with Gerard Pique claiming to have cast his vote.
The Spain defender uploaded a picture of himself surrounded by people, captioned: "I have already voted. Together we are unstoppable defending democracy."
He had previously called for peaceful protest.
On Thursday, Pique tweeted: "From today until Sunday we should express ourselves peacefully. Don't give them any excuse. It's what they want. And sing high and strong. #Voterem (We will vote)."
Nou Camp legend Xavi called the situation a "disgrace" and former player Pep Guardiola - now Manchester City manager - revealed he voted via email.
While Carles Puyol insists voting is a democratic right.
Barcelona host Las Palmas at 3.15pm GMT time.
Ernesto Valverde's men have enjoyed a 100 per cent start to their La Liga season, despite their perceived summer troubles.
If the match had been postponed, Barca would still have maintained a two-point lead at the summit.
Las Palmas announced their players will wear the Spain flag on their kits for the clash.