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Barcelona Football Club has made a statement on the latest events in Catalonia and the blocking by the Spanish government of the 1st October independence referendum. The club says that it "condemns any action which could prevent the full exercising of these rights".

The most important sports organisation in Catalonia says it remains faithful to its "historical commitment to the defence of the country" and publicly expressed its support for all the people, entities and institutions affected in recent hours.

Having a very wide following all around the world, Barça wanted to express its respect for all ideologies, but reiterated that it will always stand beside the Catalan people. This follows the line it started on in May when it signed up to the National Pact for the Referendum alongside many other Catalan entities, institutions and private individuals.

Translation

In the face of the events that have taken place of recent days, and especially today, in relation with the political situation in Catalonia, FC Barcelona, faithful to its historical commitment to the defence of the country, of democracy, of freedom of expression and of the right to decide, condemns any action which could prevent the full exercise of these rights.

As such, FC Barcelona publicly states its support for all the people, entities and institutions that work to guarantee these rights.

FC Barcelona, with the maximum respect for the plurality of its membership, will continue to support the wish of the majority of the people of Catalonia, expressed always in a civil, peaceful and exemplary way.