Joan Garcia’s decision to move to Barcelona still hurts Espanyol supporters. What some saw as an opportunity to continue growing in football was viewed by others as an outright betrayal.
And they made that clear with the harsh reception handed out to the goalkeeper on his return to the RCDE Stadium today, as reported by SPORT.
Despite having been a key figure for Espanyol last season in securing survival in the top flight, the blue-and-white supporters have not forgiven his decision to sign for Barcelona last summer.
The reaction was evident as soon as he stepped onto the pitch. Garcia, who did not set foot on the grass before the warm-up, was booed and insulted when he entered the field of play for the first time by virtually the entire home crowd.
👀 Les pancartes de l'afició de l'Espanyol per a Joan Garcia
📸 @as13rchvs #EspanyolBarça #FCBlive pic.twitter.com/6eIkXzmfK8
— Què T'hi Jugues (@QueThiJugues) January 3, 2026
He warmed up at the end opposite La Grada, the ultras’ section of Espanyol, but even so, he did not escape a very hostile reception. Whistles, insults and chants of “P*** Barça” filled the stadium for several minutes.
During the match, some supporters were expected to throw toy mice onto the pitch.
Espanyol installed the netting to protect the players from potential objects, but before kick-off these items were already visible, along with banknotes bearing the face of the Barcelona goalkeeper.
Insults and banners outside the stadium
The Espanyol team bus received a welcome to match the occasion. Thousands of home supporters gathered to encourage their side as they arrived, without forgetting their former player.
In the moments before the bus arrived, chants were heard against Joan Garcia, such as: “We want his head.”
In addition, several banners were displayed around the RCDE Stadium with slogans such as: “You were one of us. You went to our biggest rival, proving that your love for the club was not loyal,” as well as messages labelling the goalkeeper a “rat” and “Judas”.