Clashes Between Police And Protesters Become The Dark Side Of El Clasico

Riots in Catalan (Photo: Marca)

JAKARTA - At least 46 people were injured when police clashed with protesters outside the Camp Nou during and after the El Clasico match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, Wednesday, December 18 evening.

The Mossos d'Esquadra, the Catalan autonomous police force, launched foam projectiles at the protesters as they set fire to containers on the streets. As a result, at 23:00 local time, at least 46 people had to be treated for minor injuries.

One of the cameramen was injured when he was hit by a foam projectic shot in his leg while he was filming the event. According to sources from the Spanish news agency EFE, the journalist was able to resume work after receiving treatment.

After Real Madrid & Barcelona. The scenes of protests were intense right outside of Camp Nou after #ElClasico #Messi | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/JvCExqwstH

- Football On Tap (@footballontap) December 19, 2019

Previously reported, the Tsunami Democratic separatist party issued a statement regarding the massive demonstration. This action is planned to be carried out right on the day of the El Clasico match. As a result, concerns have emerged from La Liga and the two clubs that will compete. Here's the full statement:

"Tsunami Democratic realizes the importance of the match between Barcelona and Real Madrid for sports fans," said Tsunami Democratic.

"But this is an extraordinary political situation. With people imprisoned, exiled and without the [right] to self-determination or their fundamental rights, nothing is normal.

"Everyone has to understand that all parties need to sit down and talk about freedom, basic rights and the right to self-determination in Catalonia.

"We are calling for a day of mobilization on 18 December and ask all citizens of the country to spare that date and come to Barcelona."

The protests that conducted by Tsunami Democratic before El Clasico actually took place. Despite some problems outside the stadium, the match continued with a 0-0 finish.