Forty-three people were slightly injured Friday morning in Barcelona, after police forcibly dispersed a small group of demonstrators from Catalunya Square, announced the ambulance services.
The incidents occurred when the municipal services have started to clean the Catalunya Square to make room for events related to the Champions League final, on Saturday.
Police with helmets and bats have used rubber bullets against tens of demonstrators who blocked an entrance into the market, preventing the passage of the sanitation trucks. Manisfestanţii dispersed within minutes.
“43 people were slightly injured, among them a policeman. Five were hospitalized with multiple contusions”, said a spokesman for the medical services, stating that the status is not definitive.
The cleaning of Catalunya Market in Barcelona downtown was an attempt to make room for the manifestations related to the Champions League final. Square was occupied by about ten days more young demonstrators.
“After we finish cleaning it, they will be able to return, but without the tents, knives and potentially dangerous tools” said a police spokesman.
The Champions League final, between the English team Manchester United and Spanish squad FC Barcelona, will be held Saturday, 9:45 PM, at Wembley Stadium in London.