Barcelona vs Roma: Champions League clash temporarily stopped as yellow balloons rain down on Nou Camp turf in apparent political protest
In year of turmoil for Catalonia region, locals staged yet more protests as government members still imprisoned
Posted Thursday, April 05, 2018 by Thesun.co.uk
BARCELONA'S clash with Roma was temporarily brought to a halt as yellow balloons rained down on the Nou Camp turf in an apparent political protest.
It is understood the act was a sign of home fans' support for the Catalan government members who remain in prison.
Barcelona fans prepare to unleash balloons in political protest at Nou Camp
On 17 minutes 14 seconds, the usual pro-Catalan chants began — as that is a reference to the year Barcelona fell during the historic War of Spain.
And moments later, yellow balloons were flown on to the pitch.
Before the match, a separatist group distributed around 10,000 balloons, urging its followers to "be responsible and "not let them go on to the field".
They insisted the protest was to be staged "in the face of an atrocious repression against our people and our politics."
Barcelona fans regularly sing pro-Catalonia songs on 17 minutes 14 seconds
Several Catalan politicians have been jailed following a call for independence which led to an unofficial referendum held on October 1.
Barcelona were not affected, however, as they took the lead soon after. Luis Suarez had come close, while Ivan Rakitic hit the post — but the goal eventually came on 38 minutes.
Unfortunate Roma stalwart Daniele De Rossi slid the ball past a stricken Alisson in to his own goal.
The Italian veteran was forced to act as he had Lionel Messi bearing down on him.
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