I don't normally write about sports topics on my blogs but this one warranted mention.
Last night, F.C. Barcelona beat Athletic de Bilbao 4-1 to secure their 25th Copa del Rey title, their first since 1998.
After Athletic de Bilbao's initial goal by Gaizca Toquero 9-minutes into the match, Barcelona answered with goals by Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic, and Xavi Hernandez.
The win was clear by the end of the match. But the mystery and controversy came to those not present in the stadium. TVE, Spain's national television station, did not include the audio of the Spanish National Hymn at the beginning of the match when both teams were lined up on the field at attention. Why? It seems to me that the hymm was rendered inaudible due to the Catalan and Basque fans' whistles and boos of disapproval of not only the King's presence at the match, but also the fact that both regions are fighting for their independence from the country. Later, TVE replayed the Spanish National Hymn but with the jeers and boos edited out. Someone on the radio this morning, debating last night's game and TVE's presumed censorship, commented that there should be a separation of Sports and Politics. I couldn't agree with that more.
(see video below of the hymm and the goals)
