Frank Rijkaard's side, who play host to the Premiership title holders in a mouth-watering semi-final, are more than just a football club.

They are regarded by many as being standard bearers for the Catalan nation.

Indeed, during the dictatorship of General Franco, the Camp Nou was one of the few places where the language could be spoken freely.

The relationship between the two has come under scrutiny again recently following the arrival of the Olympic torch relay in London with high-profile carriers, including Sir Steve Redgrave, Denise Lewis and Konnie Huq, being criticised for their decision to run a leg of possibly the world's most controversial relay given the relationship between China and Tibet.

Not for one moment am I accusing them of sympathising with the actions of this year's hosts in the Himalayan kingdom but, in my humble opinion, by electing to take part in this ridiculous charade they risked becoming pawns in a PR coup.

There are countless other examples of how sport and politics are, whether we like it or not, linked.

Tommie Smith and John Carlos with their Black Power salute at the 1968 games.

The creation of volata by the fascists to replace football and rugby union in Italy.

The boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 games, the development (not the birth) of the Old Firm in Glasgow and the treatment of Zimbabwean cricketers Andy Flowers and Henry Olonga by Robert Mugabe's despotic regime.

Just a handful of examples to demonstrate how sport and politics, however uncomfortable it might be, are definitely linked.

For absolute proof there's South Africa's isolation during apartheid.

Francois Carrard, a senior International Olympic Committee officials gave the game away in February when he said the Olympics would help to improve human rights in China.

We cannot, must not, employ a pick-and-mix approach to the matter.

However convenient that might be.

What do you think? Post your comments below.

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