Football in Spain has seen increasing scrutiny over fan behaviour in recent years, with governing bodies cracking down on offensive chants and violence in stadiums.
La Liga has been particularly active, emphasising campaigns to educate supporters and implement stricter sanctions when misconduct occurs.
Clubs across the top flight are under pressure to ensure safe environments for players and fans alike, especially as high-profile incidents can tarnish the sport’s reputation internationally.
In parallel, social media continues to amplify these issues, with players often facing abuse online alongside hostility in the stands.
Even amidst these challenges, authorities insist on protecting young talents and maintaining professional standards in stadiums.
Barcelona’s rising goalkeeper has recently found himself at the centre of renewed controversy.
Joan Garcia was subjected to immense hate and hostility from Espanyol fans last summer, when he made the decision to leave the club in favour of a move to Catalan rivals FC Barcelona.
Joan Garcia was immediately met with hate comments on his social media, while Espanyol fans left no stones unturned in showing how they felt about the move.
This week, the controversy surrounding Garcia resurfaced after La Liga officially reported offensive chants aimed at the young goalkeeper during Espanyol’s recent game against Elche, reports Mundo Deportivo.
According to the report filed by La Liga’s match directors, a section of Espanyol supporters targeted Garcia with disturbing chants, demanding “Joan’s head”.
As noted in the report, the incident took place in the 35th minute of the match at the RCDE Stadium, with the chants emerging from the “Gol Cornella” area.
This was prominent particularly in sectors 109, 110, and 111, sections occupied by Espanyol’s ultras group “Grada Canito.”
The chant, “Queremos la cabeza de Joan” (“We want Joan’s head”), was sung in unison for about 20 seconds.
The report also recorded another instance of hostility, this time from Elche supporters, who collectively chanted “Puta Barça” (“F*** Barca”) for around 15 seconds.
La Liga has forwarded both incidents to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Anti-Violence Commission for review.
The disciplinary committee will now decide whether to open a formal investigation into the matter.
During the match, reminders were displayed on the stadium’s video screens, urging fans to respect anti-violence laws that prohibit and penalise xenophobic, homophobic, or violent behaviour at sporting events.
Garcia, for his part, is currently sidelined with an injury, though recent reports suggest the goalkeeper could return in contention to play against Elche this weekend.
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