The moment will linger in memory for the wrong reasons. The day unfolded with unexpected, embarrassing scenes as numerous Espanyol fans and players clashed with rivals from Barcelona. The Azulgrana faithful hustled into the tunnel that leads to the locker rooms, while some hardened supporters hurled objects and pressed against police lines. The episode cast a shadow over a moment that should have celebrated a league triumph.
We want to offer a sincere apology to football fans worldwide. The incident is not representative of the club or its supporters, no matter how small the portion of fans involved may seem. The club commits to doing everything possible to root out behavior that has no place in the stadium or in the sport at large, said Mao Ye, chief executive of the blue and white organization.
Isolated facts
The leadership announced that all necessary security measures would be intensified to prevent further clashes. The aim is to tighten procedures and review any gaps that could allow similar situations to occur, Mao added, stressing a focus on prevention and accountability.
The club also issued an official statement lamenting the incidents that occurred after the match. The note emphasized that violent acts cannot be tolerated, even if emotions run high. It called for unity and responsibility from all supporters while acknowledging the pain caused to players and fans alike.
Espanyol fans enter the field to prevent Barça from celebrating the championship
drawing
No traceable footage
Espanyol pledged to use all available resources to combat violence and to cooperate fully with security agencies. Authorities will receive whatever support is needed to restore order and ensure safety in future fixtures.
The judge Burgos Bengoetxea, who was present in the locker room when the incident occurred, noted that the public record contained no clear footage of the moment. A Mossos d’esquadra report, along with Sports Law considerations, will determine whether sanctions are warranted or not.