Barcelona vs Las Palmas goes ahead behind closed doors at players’ request with Nou Camp giants facing six-point deduction

BARCELONA’S clash with Las Palmas is being played behind closed doors, despite initial reports it had been postponed.

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.

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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.

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.

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AFP

And the Nou Camp giants were then warned they faced a six-point deduction if they decided to cancel the match.

They have now decided to play it behind closed doors.

Barcelona have the chance to open up a five-point lead at the La Liga summit