Associated Press May 14, 2023 8:24 pm ET2 minute counter
Barcelona players, who celebrated their LaLiga title win on Sunday, had to leave in a hurry after Espanyol fans stormed the pitch and ran towards them.
A large group of Espanyol fans from the ‘Ultra’ fan department behind one of the goals jumped onto the pitch and made their way to the players who were singing and celebrating after Barca’s 4-2 win at the center circle.
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Security forces quickly intervened to ensure the safety of players and club officials. Some of the guards confronted the fans but were pushed back towards the tunnel. Riot police officers were forced to stand outside the tunnel entrance with riot shields to prevent fans from chasing the players.
The followers threw chairs and other objects before disbanding without further incident.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez had already tried to get his players into the dressing room before the fans’ actions.
Riot police screen the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms after Barcelona’s away win against Espanyol in LaLiga.Getty Images
“It was a moment of celebration, of euphoria, it was normal but we weren’t home and at some point I felt it would be more respectful if we went back to the dressing room,” he said.
Espanyol apologized for the Barcelona derby incident at the RCDE Stadium.
“We should always condemn violence in all areas of life,” said Espanyol coach Luis García. “Everything was done to prevent this, but it was not possible.”
Barcelona clinched their first league title since 2019 with the win four games before the end. The defeat left Espanyol in penultimate place.