Protestors block traffic ahead of politically charged Clasico

Hundreds of protestors blocked traffic outside Camp Nou on Wednesday as Barcelona and Real Madrid prepared to play a Clasico overshadowed by calls for Catalan independence.

Supporters of Democratic Tsunami, the protest group advocating Catalan self-determination, gathered at the four corners of the stadium from 1500 GMT, four hours before kick-off.

Many held Catalan flags and blue banners that carried the group's slogan - 'Spain, sit and talk' - as well as the words 'Freedom, rights, self-determination'.

"We must take advantage of the magnitude of this match so the world can see our situation from Europe and around the world," said Antoni Rabull, a 73-year-old retiree.

There was a visible police presence outside the stadium but there was little sign of trouble as protestors stayed true to Democratic Tsunami's pledge to carry out its demonstrations peacefully.

"To perform the action of Democratic Tsunami it is essential that the game can be played and the fans with tickets can enter the stadium," read a message posted by the group's official Twitter account.

Police were also stationed outside the nearby Hotel Princesa Sofia, with players, coaching staff and referees instructed to gather there and then leave together for the match two hours before kick-off.

Around 3,000 security personnel will be posted around the stadium after renewed fears of unrest. The original fixture in October had to be postponed due to violent demonstrations breaking out across Catalonia.

"We know we are living in a complex social and political situation but I am convinced that it is compatible with playing a football match," said the club's president Josep Maria Bartomeu last week.

- 'Spain, sit and talk' -
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"We accept the #ChallengeLaVanguardia and call on everyone to throw an inflatable ball and write a message to the world."
"The actions of today, like all of Democratic Tsunami's, will be strictly non-violent."
- Catalan uprising -
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"People should be able to express themselves freely tomorrow, that is what we ask, but that there is respect for everyone."