Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia is braced for a night of extreme hostility as he returns to face his former club Espanyol this Saturday, with supporters reportedly planning to throw rats onto the pitch in protest of his summer transfer.
A Bitter Transfer Stirs Deep-Rooted Rivalry
The 24-year-old shot-stopper, who was once a target for Arsenal, triggered fury among the Espanyol faithful by completing a £21million move to their bitter city rivals Barcelona ahead of the 2025-26 season. Garcia signed a six-year deal with the Catalan giants after his release clause was met, becoming the first player to cross the divide in 31 years.
His departure cut deep, as Garcia had been part of Espanyol since he was 15, rising through the club's youth academy. His defection to the Camp Nou has been viewed as the ultimate betrayal, setting the stage for a ferocious derby atmosphere at the RCDE Stadium.
Extreme Measures for an Extreme Reception
In response to the palpable threat, extraordinary security preparations are underway. Safety nets have been installed behind both goals to prevent objects from reaching the pitch. Authorities have also implemented enhanced security checks and published an extensive list of prohibited items, which includes motorbike helmets, suitcases, and laptops.
In a move to limit tensions, away fans have been entirely banned from the fixture. Espanyol has declared that any supporter wearing Barcelona colours, including shirts, scarves, or hats, will be denied entry.
The most shocking detail, however, involves the planned protest. According to reports from The Athletic, several Espanyol supporter groups have discussed pelting Garcia with rats. A Barcelona stall owner even claimed fans had sought advice on how to acquire the rodents.
Club Captain Pleads for Restraint
Amid the incendiary plans, Espanyol captain Leandro Cabrera has publicly urged fans not to cross a line that could harm their own club. He acknowledged the right to jeer but highlighted the financial benefit of Garcia's sale.
“Fans are entitled to boo or whistle whoever they want, but it has to be done from a perspective in which our own club can’t be harmed by that,” Cabrera told TV3. “With Joan’s departure, Espanyol got an amount of money that has been very useful... so whatever happens from now on it can’t have a bad impact on our club.”
The warning carries weight, as Espanyol received a suspended stadium closure in September 2024 after a referee was hit by a lighter during a match against Villarreal. Any repeat could lead to severe sporting sanctions.
As Saturday approaches, all eyes will be on Joan Garcia, whose homecoming has transformed from a routine match into a major test of security and fan conduct in one of Spain's most intense local rivalries.
