Espanyol fans start hate campaign against Joan Garcia ahead of Barcelona move | OneFootball

After weeks of negotiations, Barcelona finally appear to be on the verge of completing a move for Joan Garcia.

The Spanish goalkeeper’s move to Barça is a done deal, with the player finally agreeing to join the Catalans despite initial doubts over whether or not he should join a direct rival.

Espanyol fans’ hate campaign against Joan Garcia

However, Garcia’s decision has sparked a wave of outrage from sections of the Espanyol fanbase, turning what began as online criticism into something far more dangerous.

As reported by SPORT, several Espanyol supporters have taken to social media and the streets of Sallent, which is Joan Garcia’s hometown, to voice their anger in increasingly aggressive ways.

In recent days, graffiti attacking the goalkeeper has begun appearing on walls and traffic signs across Sallent, with some calling him a “mercenary rat” and accusing him of betrayal.

Joan Garcia is starting to receive immense hate from Espanyol fans (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The messages, laced with insults and threats, have crossed the line in many ways than one can possibly expect.

The 24-year-old had travelled to Sallent after the end of the season to spend time with family and consider his future.

Although he helped Espanyol avoid relegation with a string of excellent performances, his choice to join Barcelona has led to a campaign of hostility from fans who feel betrayed.

Having already made the courageous decision, though, Joan Garcia will be looking to focus on the road ahead and hope Barcelona complete the acquisition in the coming days.

The Spaniard, after all, is gearing up for a promising year ahead, where he might be given the opportunity to become Barcelona’s No. 1 goalkeeper, ahead of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who will have to fight for his place in the team.