Iniesta calls for more negotiating in Spain-Catalonia crisis

Spain midfielder and Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta has called for more dialogue in the dispute over Catalonia's push for independence. (Daniel Tejedor/AP)

BARCELONA, Spain — Spain midfielder and Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta has called for more dialogue in the dispute over Catalonia’s push for independence that has the country on edge, including the national football team.

Iniesta wrote on Twitter on Thursday: "I have never commented publicly on such complex situations with different sentiments, but the situation that we are living is exceptional and I have one thing clear: before we harm ourselves further, negotiate. The ones responsible for all of this, negotiate. Do it for all of us, we deserve to live in peace."

Authorities said nearly civilians and about 430 police officers were injured across the autonomous northeastern region on Sunday during the referendum, which the Spanish government said was unconstitutional.

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