Barcelona 3 Las Palmas 0: Lionel Messi scores twice with Sergio Busquets also netting in empty Nou Camp
Game was cancelled due to police clashes with the public over Catalonia independence vote before starting without a crowd
LIONEL MESSI scored twice as Barcelona beat Las Palmas in an empty Nou Camp stadium.
Sergio Busquets opened the scoring as Barca managed to secure a win on a bizarre day in the Catalan capital
Police clashes with civilians attempting to vote in the controversial independence ballot saw the game initially cancelled.
But La Liga threatened Barcelona with an automatic loss and six-point deduction unless the match went ahead.
Barca eventually agreed to stage the clash but decided to play behind closed doors so as to not risk any further incidents in the Catalan capital.
The game started brightly but neither team could find an early breakthrough in front of the empty seats.
However, Sergio Busquets stepped forward to net a rare goal early in the second half to put Barca in control.
Talisman Messi soon doubled his team's advantage before putting the result beyond doubt with a well-taken finish late on.
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It means Barca maintain their winning start to the La Liga season, putting them well ahead of current rivals and champs Real Madrid.
But today's shocking incidents in the city will be cause for concern for everyone at the club.
And there may be further repercussions unless the situation is dealt with on an amicable level.
