Barcelona chief backs Catalan leaders in clash with Spain

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu says Barcelona backs the leaders of Catalonia in response to the Spanish government's decision to take over the regional government.

Bartomeu said on Saturday ''the fact that people have been imprisoned for their political ideas is unacceptable in the 21st century. No one can question Barcelona's commitment to Catalan society and its democratic institutions.''

To block the Catalan independence push, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy wants the Senate to give him direct power to dissolve the regional Catalan government and call an early election.

Bartomeu says Barcelona sides with those who defend the Catalan people's right to vote in a referendum for independence. He also says the club aims to remain in the Spanish league.

Barcelona leads La Liga, and was hosting Malaga late Saturday.