The classic between Barcelona and Real Madrid is postponed for protests in Catalonia

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(CNN) - The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) postponed El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the end of this month due to continuous Catalan protests.

The long prison sentences imposed on independence politicians earlier this week provoked furious protests throughout the region, which continue this Thursday, the fourth day of protests.

The Classic is one of the most anticipated matches on the soccer calendar, with the bitter rivalry that attracts millions of spectators around the world.

• What is happening in Catalonia?
• Two years after the referendum, relations between Catalonia and Madrid are tensed again

Real Madrid and Barcelona have until October 21 to reorganize the game. If they do not, the RFEF will decide a new date.

Earlier this week, La Liga had asked RFEF that the match, originally scheduled for October 26, be moved from Camp Nou in Barcelona to Santiago Bernabéu of Real Madrid.

Nine of the Catalan independence leaders received between nine and 13 years for their participation in a failed attempt to separate from Spain in 2017.

Three other defendants were found guilty of disobedience, fined and disabled to participate in public office for 20 months.

In 2017, Barcelona was forced to play its La Liga match against Las Palmas behind closed doors at Camp Nou after Catalonia's disputed independence referendum turned into violence.

• They issue long sentences to Catalan independence leaders

Las Palmas was opposed to the rupture of Spain, and sent its players to the field with small Spanish flags sewn on their shirts.

The players of Barcelona went out to the field with red and yellow shirts, the colors of Catalonia, before returning to their normal range for the match.

Local police in Barcelona told CNN that more than 20 roads in and around Barcelona are closed on Friday due to demonstrations.

According to the Barcelona City Council, the three nights of protests, from Tuesday to Friday, have caused damages worth 1.5 million euros, just over 1.7 million dollars.

Real Madrid currently heads La Liga with 18 points, two ahead of second place, Barcelona.