Espanyol confirms strict norms at RCDE Stadium ahead of Barcelona visit | OneFootball

The upcoming Catalan derby on January 3 has generated a lot of buzz, with many expecting a heated affair between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol, especially on account of Joan Garcia.

The Barcelona goalkeeper is expected to face a hostile welcome from Espanyol fans following his controversial move to Camp Nou in the summer.

Anticipating hostility, a local Espanyol supporters group has already urged calm heads heading into this game. And now, Espanyol themselves have called for non-violence as well as a set of strict measures to ensure any untoward incident.

Espanyol confirm strict norms for Catalan derby

The club, in a recent statement, have confirmed that it will not allow access to the stadium with bulky items such as helmets, suitcases, laptops, or other such objects.

“Access to the stadium is not permitted with bulky items such as motorcycle helmets, suitcases, laptops, or objects that could be thrown onto the pitch or that could hinder an evacuation,” the club said (h/t SPORT).

Joan Garcia will face intense hostility from Espanyol fans this coming weekend. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“For this match, access with large handbags, sports bags, or backpacks will also be prohibited,” the club added.

Espanyol confirmed that it will install special nets to ensure no object gets thrown towards Joan Garcia, a reported earlier.

Espanyol added that the stadium will not allow anything related to Barcelona, be it garments, scarves, flags or any other insignia. This is applicable across the stadium.

Finally, the club asked for cool heads from the home supporters, keeping in mind the expected hostility towards Joan Garcia.

“The Club wishes to appeal for calm, respect, and good behaviour from our fans, who have always been and continue to be a source of pride for their exemplary support and the way they cheer on the team both inside and outside the stadium,” the club said.

In order to better enforce these orders, Espanyol have also introduced fines ranging from €150 to €650,000. These will be applied whenever an entity or an individual breaks any of the laws set forth by the club ahead of this key tussle.