Mousetraps and Mayhem: Espanyol Shields Garcia from Barca Derby Fury
3 January 2026
Derby Anticipation and Security Measures
The Barcelona derby in La Liga has taken on an extra edge as Espanyol prepares to host their city rivals. Unprecedented security measures, including nets behind both goals, were reported to shield Barcelona’s Juan García from potential objects hurled by disgruntled fans.
According to The Athletic, Espanyol’s operations team implemented precautions after rumors within supporter groups about using rodents as a symbolic protest against García’s move to Barcelona for 25 million euros.
Stadium Rules and the Aftermath
To keep order, Espanyol barred Barcelona supporters from entering and prohibited anyone wearing Barça gear, as well as motorcycle helmets, bags, or any item that could be used as a projectile.
The measures echo a summer transfer decision in which García, aged 24, left Espanyol, the club where he trained since age 15, for Barcelona—an exit that still stirs controversy as Barcelona touts him as a potential star while Espanyol fans feel betrayed.
Punchline 1: If the fans spent half as much energy cheering as plotting, the stadium would finally deserve a standing ovation for restraint.
Punchline 2: In football, the only thing more expensive than a transfer fee is the list of excuses after a loss—this derby might file for its own invoice.
