Fears surround Real Madrid's trip to Catalonia

CAIRO – 27 October 2017: Real Madrid travels on Sunday to Catalonia to play against Girona in the Spanish League. Madrid’s trip to Catalonia is threatened by the current political disturbance due to the independence referendum.

Real Madrid’s board decided not to take the club bus with them on their trip so as to not be an easy target for Catalan fans and to avoid any insult from them.

Girona President Delfi Geli calmed Real Madrid fans on Friday, saying, “We are convinced nothing will happen. Real Madrid will be welcomed and respected.”

Geli added, “We have not spoken to Madrid; we are awaiting their visit as we would any other club."

The Spanish Football Federation is discussing postponing the game to avoid any problems.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has nothing to fear, as he said, “We are not worried. Nothing is changing the plan for our trip. Security for this match will be as it always is. We will play as we always do and without thinking about anything else.”

Catalan’s parliament announced independence from Spain on Friday.