Barcelona Players Spark Controversy with Anti-Espanyol Chants After Catalan Derby

Barcelona players participated in controversial chants targeting Espanyol following the Catalan derby match held at Camp Nou.

Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, and Lamine Yamal joined the younger section of the stands, engaging in dancing and performing celebratory gestures accompanied by songs containing harsh lyrics directed at the opposing team.

The lyrics of the song chanted by the players included phrases referencing the history of clashes between the two clubs and expressed a desire for the local rival to disappear from the sporting scene.

Fermín, Casadó, Gavi, Balde, and Lamine collectively chanted: “We swear that even if years pass, we will never forget. We kicked you out of Sarrià, then we kicked you out of our city, then you were relegated to the second division to become champions, and we will pray for your disappearance,” a scene captured by cameras.

This incident occurred despite the stadium's public address system intervening twice during the match, urging fans to remain calm and avoid racist or offensive shouts.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time these players have engaged in such behavior. A similar group previously chanted the same slogans during past celebrations of the Spanish La Liga title. Previous occasions have seen similar incidents, including Gavi raising a flag with anti-Real Madrid slogans, and Fermín López previously appearing with a flag associated with the Boixos Nois groups, raising questions about the recurrence of these celebratory behaviors against rival clubs.