According to Moroccan website Hesport, citing Cadena Cope and other outlets, the warnings followed persistent racist chanting from the stands.
The chants targeted Moroccan international Omar El Hilali, Espanyol’s defender, who was the main target of these insults, sparking widespread outrage.
Tensions flared when El Hilali tangled with Barcelona’s Gavi, earning both players a yellow card, and the abusive chants resumed in the 57th minute.
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The abuse was not confined to racial slurs; some fans also taunted, “To the second division!”, a dig at Espanyol’s fragile league position that further riled the crowd.
Barcelona now lead Real Madrid by nine points, edging closer to the title, while Espanyol stay on 38 points in tenth.