Espanyol have confirmed that they will erect safety nets behind both of their goals ahead of their upcoming derby against Barcelona.

The decision comes amid fears that Joan Garcia could have objects thrown at him during his first match back at the stadium since leaving for arch rivals Barca.

Espanyol said in a statement that the move was ‘part of a comprehensive preventative plan to guarantee the safety and smooth running of the match’.

They also announced that the stadium will open its doors two hours before the start of the match and reminded everyone of the prohibition against bringing bulky objects or items that could be thrown onto the field, as well as large bags, backpacks or sports bags.

There was plenty of anger in the summer when Garcia left Espanyol for Barca, and there’s also a precedent for fan violence.

Barca won LaLiga at Cornellà at the end of the 2022/23 season and ill-advisedly celebrated on their rivals’ pitch causing the home supporters to disgracefully rush on.

Silvia Rodríguez, president of the Catalan Federation of Espanyol Supporters’ Clubs, told Cadena SER that she expects fans to behave like adults otherwise they risk a stadium closure.

“The reception should be hostile, in the truest sense of the word, or indifferent,” she said.

“Joan Garcia needs to realize that the fans are angry and hurt by how he left.

“However, we mustn’t fall into that trap. If there’s one year he has to win the derby, it has to be this one.

“If he were a striker or a midfielder, this wouldn’t have been the case. He has the goal area and is very exposed to the fans. He needs to understand that he didn’t act well.”