Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says they had to stage Sunday's win against Las Palmas to avoid a points penalty.

Explaining the decision to go ahead with the match and to play it behind closed doors, Bartomeu said that the Blaugrana risked losing six points if they did not play.

"It would have been six points for not playing today," he told Bein Sports amid the referendum chaos.

"Three for not playing and another three as a result of a sanction."

He also spoke at length about his thoughts on the events taking place across the region at polling stations.

"We regret what has happened in Catalonia today," Bartomeu said. "It is a denying of freedom of expression and we're worried.

"We have decided that instead of cancelling the game, which is what we wanted, it will be played behind closed doors.

"It was a way to show our rejection of what has been experienced today.

"It was not a security issue.

"The Mossos [local police] had given us permission to play.

"We want to show that this match is different because of all that has been happening in Catalonia today and because of the lack of freedom that has been experienced."