Catalan police assure that Barcelona-Real Madrid match will proceed safely

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A scheduled protest should not be a significant source of concern for el clásico

Catalan police sources have assured the media that el clásico will go off without a hitch. Mundo Deportivo reports that the Catalan police, known as the Mossos d’Esquadra or simply as the mossos, are convinced that the game will proceed normally despite a scheduled protest outside of Camp Nou on that same day, December 18th.

Tsunami Democràtic, or Democratic Tsunami as it is known in English, has convened a protest on social media, which has worried some as the game was initially postponed due to security fears stemming from political disagreements.

The controversial group preaches nonviolence and civil disobedience in favor of Catalan self-determination, but the Spanish government has branded the group as a “criminal entity.”

The report says police have found no evidence of a threat to the players or spectators. In particular, the police is taking special care that Real Madrid’s team bus can get from the hotel to the stadium in normal conditions. Once again the report is optimistic, saying they do not expect any extraordinary issue.

However, the police are reportedly preparing to resolve any conflicts, should they arise, and are in contact with FC Barcelona and La Liga’s security teams in order to resolve any problem.

If the pitch were to be invaded, it would be FC Barcelona’s security forces that would be in charge of restoring order. That is, unless the mossos themselves felt that the situation was getting out of control, and then, they would intervene.

But once again, it seems this type of action is not expected.

The national police has not been contacted as the Catalan police feel they will have the situation under control, according to the report.

Police do warn that it is expected that public transport will be extremely full and the system will be pushed to the limit as both matchgoing fans and protestors are expected to show up in numbers.

Source: barcablaugranes.com