'%20id='ico-down'%20stroke='%23000000'%20stroke-width='1.5'%3e%3cg%20transform='translate(1092.250000,%20254.750000)'%3e%3cpolyline%20id='Path-2-Copy-4'%20transform='translate(5.500000,%202.750000)%20scale(1,%20-1)%20rotate(-180.000000)%20translate(-5.500000,%20-2.750000)%20'%20points='0%200%205.5%205.5%2011%200'%3e%3c/polyline%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
30 October 2006
BARCELONA — A controversial photo-opportunity with the president of Barcelona FC has sparked a row on the eve of regional elections in Catalonia.
Arthur Mas, leader of the centre-right CiU party was pictured breakfasting with Joan Laporta, president of Barca, the team which symbolises the region.
But within 24-hours, his chief opponent, Jose Montilla, leader of the socialists in Catalonia, had to be granted a similar photo-opportunity, to avoid allegations of bias on the part FC Barcelona.
Such is the popularity of football and the club itself that on eve of the election on Wednesday, no side could be seen to be given an unfair advantage.
At present it does not appear clear which party will win an overall majority.
[Copyright EFE with Expatica]
Subject: Spanish news