Espanyol are set to be punished for chants in relation to Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and his partner Shakira during Saturday’s Catalan derby.
The Liga de Futbol Profesional (LFP) has released a statement outlining six occasions during the clash at Cornella-El Prat where fans of the home club – who lost the tie 3-0 – are deemed to be in breach of the league's anti-violence rules.
During a Copa del Rey game in January 2016, a section of the Espanyol support brought several banners directing unpleasant messages at Pique and pop star Shakira, with the club fined €24k.
"It doesn't affect me, I just have to remain focused on the match and not give [the chants] any importance," Pique said in the aftermath of the derby match.
"And to be honest, I enjoy coming here, it's where I have the most fun – here and at the Bernabeu.
"The majority of Espanyol supporters are polite. I know a lot of Pericos [Espanyol fans] and I have a lot of respect for them. But there are always rowdy minorities, we know how it works.
“They don't represent the Espanyol fanbase. Those who shout come here to release their frustrations in life."
