Authorities on alert as Espanyol fans consider throwing ‘stuffed rats’ towards Barcelona star during Catalan derby | OneFootball

The build-up to the upcoming Catalan derby is already tense, and a fresh report from El Confidencial has added a worrying edge to proceedings. 

As expected, attention is fixed on Joan Garcia, whose return to Espanyol territory is expected to spark a deeply hostile atmosphere.

Garcia, now wearing the colours of Barcelona, will step onto the pitch at Cornella-El Prat on January 3rd. 

It will be his first appearance there since making the controversial switch between the two rivals, a move that has not been forgiven by a section of the Espanyol fanbase. 

With Espanyol enjoying a strong run of form and Barcelona sitting at the top of the table, the derby already had all the ingredients for an explosive night.

A ‘high-risk’ encounter

The seriousness of the situation has been recognised at an institutional level. 

The fixture has officially been classified as “high risk” by the Standing Committee of the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance in Sport. 

Joan Garcia will be targeted by the Espanyol fans. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Stadium security teams, local authorities and Espanyol officials are fully aware of the anger directed at Garcia. 

His return presents a major logistical and safety challenge, particularly given the discussions that have been circulating among supporters in recent weeks. 

Beyond the usual insults and chants that accompany derby matches, one idea that has reportedly been discussed is the throwing of stuffed rats onto the pitch.

Espanyol fans planning severe treatment

This threat is not appearing in isolation. During the summer, Garcia’s hometown of Sallent reportedly saw graffiti labelling him a “traitor” and a “rat”. 

Those incidents have only increased concerns about what could unfold inside the stadium.

In response, Espanyol have been working closely with state security forces for several days to ensure the match passes without serious incident. 

As such, a large-scale deployment is expected, including officers from the Mossos d’Esquadra, members of the Guardia Urbana, along with stewards and private security staff.