Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Police, Protesters Clash Outside Barcelona-Real Madrid Game

Associated Press

   BARCELONA - One of the world's most-watched soccer matches was played
   Wednesday night amid heavy security as authorities sought to keep
   Catalonia's separatist movement from disrupting the game between
   Barcelona and Real Madrid.

   While the game in Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium began without incident,
   some riot police clashed with protesters in the streets outside, and
   plastic trash cans were set on fire.

   The match, which drew nearly 100,000 spectators, was halted briefly
   when a few dozen balls were thrown onto the field, some of them bearing
   a message urging the Spanish government to open a dialogue with the
   separatists.

   Thousands of police and private security guards were deployed in and
   around stadium as nearly 100,000 fans attended. During the street
   clashes, riot police used batons to force the crowd back.

   Some protesters fought between themselves, while others threw objects
   at police lined up behind shields. At least four trash cans were set on
   fire, and a smell of smoke wafted into the Camp Nou.

.