Tearful Gerard Pique offers to quit Spain duty if his support for Catalan independence referendum is a 'problem'

Gerard Pique has offered to retire from international football if his support for people to vote in a referendum on Catalan independence is regarded as a problem for the national team.

Barcelona beat Las Palmas on Sunday afternoon in a match that was played behind closed doors following civil unrest in the city as Catalonians took to the polls in a referendum on independence. 

The match was played despite Barcelona's attempts to have the game postponed after the Spanish government pledged to stop a poll declared illegal on a day of violent protests and unrest.

"I think I can continue. But if the board really thinks I'm a problem, I will take a step back and leave the national team before 2018," said Pique.

"There are many people in Spain who disagree with what happened today and believe in democracy."

Before the match Pique posted a picture of himself casting his vote in the referendum. 

"I have already voted. Together we are unstoppable defending democracy," Pique tweeted.

Pique, who has 91 caps for Spain, said he was proud of his fellow Catalonians. 

"The board tried to suspend the match, but it wasn't possible. We debated it and the club decided we should play," he said.

"I am and I feel Catalan, today more than ever. I am proud of the behaviour of the people of Catalonia. Voting is a right that must be defended."

Pique believes Sunday's events will cause further political instability in Spain.

"For a moment I couldn't believe it," he told the AFP agency. "I thought they would try to block the vote but they would try to do it in a peaceful manner.

750 people were reportedly injured as security forces used rubber bullets and baton charges as they clashed with protesters.

"It wasn't like that, but at least the whole world has seen it.

"This decision has made things a lot worse. It is one of the worst decisions made by this country in 40 or 50 years.

"It has only served to separate Catalonia and Spain more and it will have consequences."