Barcelona fans were banned from wearing the club’s colors due to the title match against Espanyol
Barcelona could claim their 17th Scudetto on Sunday if they beat Espanyol, but thousands of fans at the RCDE stadium will be unable to celebrate wearing the famous Blaugrana colours.
In Spain, fans will reportedly be refused entry if they choose to wear clothing representing Barcelona’s famous colours, including decals, scarves and T-shirts. Indeed, Radio Catalunya says that Espanyol are already informing those trying to buy tickets on the internet that they will not be able to access the 40,000-seat stadium if they wear the red and blue colours.
But why? Well, it’s a direct response to the same measures La Liga leaders took ahead of the match on Dec. 31.
Barcelona banned Espanyol fans from entering the Camp Nou, and all fans wearing the blue-and-white shirt – or any emblem or flag associated with Los Periquitos – were barred from attending.
“The sale of tickets to Espanyol fans is prohibited,” read a statement on their website. “Likewise, fans who come with Espanyol clothing or decals will be denied entry to the stadium.”
Barcelona were said to have been “intense to avoid a bad incident” as they continued to face a title challenge, but also factored in the events of last season’s Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
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BREAKING: Barcelona claim 27th La Liga title after victory over rivals Espanyol
Barcelona won La Liga for the 27th time after a comprehensive win against Catalan rivals Espanyol on Sunday.
The Blaugrana won 4–2, with Robert Lewandowski picking up a brace and Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde also in goal.
Javi Puado and Joselu found themselves just ahead of the hosts, but they couldn’t spoil the title celebration.
Barça went three seasons without winning the league in Spain, with their last win to date coming in the 2018/19 season.
But some smart signings over the summer, coupled with the emergence of some exceptionally talented youngsters, have seen Barca develop into a fine side under former captain Xavi Hernandez. With Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid both faltering despite their struggles in Europe, Barca were by far the best team in La Liga, losing just three times.
The win at RCDE Stadium gave them a 14-point lead at the top and ultimately sealed the title with four games remaining.
They have won 27 of their 34 matches and their success has been based on solid defensive fundamentals, with Barca conceding just 13 goals in La Liga.
Barça will not lift the trophy immediately after being crowned champions and will instead have their official ceremony on May 20 at a sold-out Camp Nou after their match against Real Sociedad.
After the club reclaimed the crown from Madrid, an open-top bus parade was also planned through the streets of Barcelona to celebrate the triumph. Legendary midfielder and captain Sergio Busquets will cap off his sensational Barca career by collecting the La Liga trophy after announcing he will be leaving his youth club at the end of the season.
But it has been reported that former defender Gerard Pique will once again be invited to attend the celebration.
The former Spain international has made a shocking announcement of his retirement after making six appearances in the 2022-23 season.
Featured image credit: Alamy