The Barcelona stopper sent his rivals to the second league in the derby, then apologised: I’m not proud of it

Sunday’s Catalonia derby was very hectic and eventful. The home team Espanyol managed to turn the score around and led Barcelona 2-1, but the visitors at least equalized in the setup. Blaugranas stopper Ronald Araujo was particularly impressive.

In terms of measuring the rivalry with Real Madrid, the rivalry with Espanyol cannot be compared for Barcelona. However, the two clubs are also not in love with each other and derbies can be heated. Just like on Sunday.

Barcelona took the lead in the second minute through Pedri. Xavi’s charges seemed to have carried over their great form from the last game, when they beat Atlético Madrid 4-2 and are riding a winning streak. But they miscalculated a lot.

In the 40th minute, Sergi Darder equalised at 1:1, with Raúl de Tomás assisting his goal. And that wasn’t all, because in the 64th minute, to the delight of the home crowd, the roles were reversed. Darder’s brilliant centre found Real Madrid’s de Tomás, whose 13th goal of the season sent Espanyol into the lead.

The visitors’ nervousness began to escalate, with three Barcelona players seeing yellow cards within nine minutes. It all culminated in a brawl in the 93rd minute, for which Barcelona’s Piqué and Espanyol’s Melamed were sent off.

Just as midfielder Blanquiazul was leaving the pitch after the sending off, Barcelona stopper Ronald Araujo ran out of the bench and gestured that Espanyol would be relegated to the second division. He then repeated the gesture to the fans. The latter, however, is in a comfortable 13th place with an 8 point lead of the first relegation place.

Barcelona subsequently equalised in the 96th minute thanks to a precise header from Luuk de Jong. However, the Uruguayan stopper repented for his behaviour after the match.

“I want to apologise to all the Espanyol people for the unfortunate gesture I made tonight. It all came out of the emotions of such a tense derby that was played today. I consider myself a respectful person with all the fans and rival clubs. That’s why I’m not proud of what happened,” Araujo sprinkled ashes on his head.

Barcelona coach Xavi did not praise his charges at the press conference either.

“I didn’t see it. We have to respect the opponents, the referees, the fans of the opponents… You always have to have respect, but sometimes the tension overwhelms you… But I’m sorry. If it happened, it can’t happen,” Xavi commented on the situation.

Source: Marca, Twitter, Livesport