Derby Drama: Espanyol Tightens Security Before Barca Clash After Juan Garcia's Controversial Return

Security measures ahead of the derby

Espanyol are taking proactive steps to avoid any tensions or potential sanctions ahead of the highly anticipated Catalan derby against neighbor Barcelona, set for January 3 at RCDE Stadium, in Round 19 of La Liga.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's management has begun installing protective nets behind the goals to prevent objects from being thrown from the stands, amid the heightened sensitivity surrounding the match this season, especially after the controversial return of goalkeeper Juan Garcia, a former Espanyol player, donning a Barcelona shirt.

Context: Espanyol's strong season and disciplinary notes

The move comes as Espanyol are enjoying one of their brightest seasons in years, sitting fifth in the table, two points off the Champions League places, after five straight league wins, a feat not achieved since 1998-1999.

The anti-violence and racism in sports committee has formally classified the derby as a high-risk match, imposing tight security and organizational measures.

Echoes of earlier events linger, as the Spanish Football Federation opened a disciplinary file against Espanyol after their October 25 match with Elche.

The Disciplinary Commission noted that a section of Espanyol supporters, at the 35th minute, chanted for about 20 seconds, including lines inciting against Juan Garcia, while Elche fans were later heard with insulting chants toward Barcelona in the 42nd minute.

Punchline 1: If the crowd behaves, the scoreboard might finally stop shouting for attention. Punchline 2: And if not, at least the nets will catch all the secrets of the chants – apparently even punctuation has to behave in derbies.