Espanyol could be handed a stadium ban following the actions of some of their supporters in Saturday's derby clash against Barcelona.
Manolo Gonzalez's side may be enjoying a productive season in La Liga, but they were unable to get the better of their local rivals at the RCDE Stadium at the weekend. Joan Garcia, who angered Espanyol fans by his decision to move to Barcelona in the summer, made six saves to frustrate his former club, before Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski netted late goals to seal a 2-0 win for Hansi Flick's side.
The frustration of some home supporters crossed a line when objects were thrown in the direction of the celebrating Barcelona players following Lewandowski's 90th-minute effort. Referee, Victor Garcia Verdura, subsequently referenced the incident in his report after the game.
Espanyol facing punishment for fans' behaviour in derby
As per Football Espana, the referee noted: “In the 90th minute, several half-full and closed bottles were thrown from the stands located in the right corner, coming out of the tunnel of the dressing rooms.
“Where fans of the home team were located, identified with the shirts and scarves that wore them. These bottles did not hit any player or cause any damage, and it had to be announced over the loudspeaker so that this type of behaviour would cease, without repeating it.”
According to Mundo Deportivo, Espanyol are at risk of being hit with a one-match stadium ban following the referee's complaint.
The Disciplinary Committee will ultimately decide Espanyol's punishment, although there is a possibility that they could escape with just a fine.
FGG says: Recurring problem for Espanyol
The current indication is that Espanyol may avoid the serious punishment of a stadium closure.
However, even if they are handed a lighter punishment, there will be concern that this is not the first time that Espanyol supporters have found themselves in hot water. They were forced to play one game behind closed doors after some of their fans invaded the pitch following a 4-2 defeat to Barcelona in May 2023, before they were handed a one-game suspended ban after a cup was thrown at referee, Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez, during a meeting with Villarreal in October 2024.
The club need to get a handle on some of the supporters' behaviour, otherwise, they run the risk of seeing further unsavoury scenes in the future and the potential for heavier punishments.