Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García was subjected to intense abuse and “traitor” imagery by Espanyol fans during his first return to the RCDE Stadium since his summer transfer.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García faced a vitriolic reception on Saturday as he returned to the RCDE Stadium to face his former club, Espanyol.
After completing a controversial cross-city transfer to the Blaugrana over the summer, the shot-stopper was greeted by a stadium transformed into a cauldron of resentment.
The atmosphere was charged with tension even before the opening whistle, highlighting the deep-seated rivalry between the two Catalan institutions.
The home supporters spared no effort in expressing their disdain for their former number one.
Banners and flags throughout the stands depicted the Spaniard as a rat, signaling a complete breakdown in the relationship between the player and the fanbase.
One prominent display carried the clear message, “No forgiveness for betrayal,” as the crowd made their feelings known through a relentless barrage of boos, whistles, and jeers that began during warm-ups.
On the pitch, the hostility remained a constant backdrop as the match proceeded under intense pressure.
Despite the psychological warfare from the stands, the score remained deadlocked at 0-0 during the early stages of the fixture.
García remained the primary target of the home faithful’s ire every time he touched the ball, marking one of the most contentious homecomings in recent La Liga history.