Shocking scenes unfolded after Barcelona were crowned LaLiga champions with Espanyol ultras trying to attack Xavi’s side on Sunday night.
The Blaugrana squad were chased off the pitch at the RCDE Stadium following their 4-2 win in the Catalan derby – with one fan storming down the tunnel.
A section of Espanyol supporters took exception to Barca celebrating their triumph, where they evaded security to go after the joyful players.
And in a video shared by ESPN, one of the supporters managed to race down the tunnel where he sprinted towards the squad.
But his effort to attack the players was thwarted by riot police, who managed to get a hold of him before he could get his hands on anyone.
It was then Sergio Busquets who had to be restrained as footage showed the 34-year-old reacting furiously to the situation.
Video below:
The moment Espanyol fans ran Barcelona players off the pitch for celebrating the LaLiga title.
(via @samuelmarsden) pic.twitter.com/v3RbwuCkYI
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 14, 2023
Things got out of hand after Barcelona won LaLiga.
(via @gemma_soler) pic.twitter.com/fz1bTre9yU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 14, 2023
Barcelona players in the tunnel after Espanyol fans rushed the pitch. pic.twitter.com/i4GcM6JwSq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 14, 2023
He looked to confront the ultra in question as police formed a barricade to separate the players and fans.
Ronaldo Araujo, Marcos Alonso and Ferran Torres had to try and calm the Barca skipper down as police tried to usher them back to their dressing room.
Speaking after the chaos, Xavi, who has won his first LaLiga title as Barca’s boss, claimed he ordered his team to leave the pitch.
He told Marca: “Celebrating is normal, but I understand we’re not at home and you can’t be disrespectful.
Riot police did their best to shield ultras from getting into the Barca dressing room
A section of the Espanyol fans took exception to Barca celebrating on the pitch and attacked.
While Barcelona have sealed their first championship since 2019, Espanyol are on the brink of being relegated to the Spanish second-tier.
They currently languish in 19th place with four games to go as they sit four points off safety.
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