Real Madrid ‘ask for El Clasico to be moved to Bernabeu’ amid Barcelona political protests

REAL MADRID have asked Spanish football bosses if the upcoming El Clasico can be moved to the Bernabeu amid political protests in Barcelona, according to reports.

The October 26 showdown is due to be played at the Nou Camp, but Los Blancos chiefs are looking to protect their stars by keeping them away from Barca, say El Pais.

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Madrid officials are hoping La Liga bosses allow them to host the game at the Bernabeu after at least 53 people were injured in a protest at Barcelona airport this week.

Should they be given the green light, the return match – scheduled for Madrid in March – would be played at the Nou Camp instead.

For now, Spanish football chiefs are yet to respond to Los Blancos’ desperate plea.

On Tuesday, more than 100 flights were grounded as pro-Catalonia protesters rioted with police.

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Cops fired foam bullets and tear gas into angry rock-throwing crowds in a bid to break up the carnage.

The violence came as Spain’s Supreme Court convicted 12 separatist leaders of illegally promoting Catalonia’s independence.

Nine of the 12 independence leaders were jailed – sparking outrage among some of the wealthy region’s anti-Madrid population.

Furious locals were on the streets protesting within minutes, blocking traffic and waving flags.

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And one person caught up in the violence at the airport was Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic – who was forced to flee on foot.

The midfielder, 31, was snapped in his tracksuit wearing a rucksack and dragging his luggage behind him.

Rakitic had just landed back in Spain after his Croatia side had played out a 1-1 draw against Wales in Cardiff.