An alarming incident shook the surroundings of the RCDE stadium before the crucial LaLiga match between Espanyol and Barcelona on Thursday. More than a dozen people were injured when a car hit a crowd of Espanyol supporters.
The fans were gathered to welcome the team bus when the incident occurred approximately one hour before the start of the match.
Local authorities confirmed the driver of the vehicle was arrested. It is still unknown whether it was a deliberate attack or if the driver lost control of the car.
“Multiple people were injured outside Espanyol’s stadium after being hit by a car,” confirmed the Mossos d’Esquadra, Barcelona’s local police, in a brief statement.
Mossos d’Esquadra
The statement added that the situation was under control and that there was no risk to those already inside the stadium. The injured were attended to by medical services, and the driver of the vehicle was arrested.
A stadium announcement also confirmed that the situation was under control, reporting that none of the injuries were serious.
The match between Espanyol and Barcelona is crucial, as it could determine the LaLiga champion, with Hansi Flick’s team seeking the title.
A Barcelona victory would give them the championship on Thursday, while a draw or a defeat would not be enough. For their part, Espanyol needs the victory to secure their permanence in LaLiga next season.
