We deserve to live in peace, says Iniesta

Barcelona Football Club and their captain Andres Iniesta on Thursday urged dialogue to resolve a volatile political crisis over Catalonia's drive for independence. "I have never before publicly commented on situations that are so complex and involve such diverse emotions, but this situation we are experiencing is exceptional," the midfielder wrote in a Facebook message.

Andres Iniesta

"One thing I know for sure: before we do any more harm, those who are responsible for all this must hold dialogue. Do it for all of us. We deserve to live in peace." Tensions mounted between Catalonia and Madrid this week after Catalans went ahead with a banned independence referendum last Sunday that was marred by police violence. The government has refused calls for mediation in the dispute and Catalan leaders have threatened to declare independence in days.