"Joan Garcia, being the best performer of the match, was understandably the focus of all attention at the RCDE Stadium. The goalkeeper faced a barrage of whistles, insults, and banners throughout the match. In a pointed display of resentment, fans even threw stuffed rats dressed in Blaugrana colours, specifically targeting the 13th minute to mock his jersey number. Despite the vitriol, the Sallent native remained unflappable, making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet."
"Aware of the specific threats made on social media leading up to the game, both clubs and local authorities treated this as a "high-risk" fixture, as revealed by Diario SPORT. Espanyol, fearing a potential stadium closure, installed protective nets behind both goals to prevent objects from striking players, though plastic bottles did rain down after Barça's second goal. The security strategy extended well beyond the pitch. A massive police deployment surrounded the stadium, and the arrival of the team buses was carefully choreographed."
Barcelona began 2026 with a 2-0 victory over Espanyol in a heated Catalan derby. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia faced sustained hostility from home supporters, including whistles, insults, banners and stuffed rats thrown to mock his number in the 13th minute. Garcia remained composed, made key saves and kept a clean sheet, reaching seven La Liga clean sheets. Authorities treated the fixture as high-risk after online threats. Espanyol installed protective nets and a large police presence cordoned the stadium. Barcelona's bus used a separate secured entrance and private security closely monitored Garcia. Preventive measures averted serious physical incidents despite objects being thrown.
Read at Barca Universal
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