Several fans injured after being hit by a car before Barcelona derby

Several Espanyol supporters were injured on Thursday after being hit by a car near the RCDE Stadium minutes before the start of the Catalan derby against Barcelona in LaLiga.

At least 14 individuals sustained injuries of varying severity when a female driver, encircled by Espanyol fans in front of their home ground, lost control of her car, causing panic and chaos.

The woman was subsequently arrested by the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's police force, and subjected to a breathalyser test.

The Emergency Medical Service responded promptly, deploying 10 ambulances to the scene. Of the 14 injured fans, four are reported to be in a less serious condition, while the others suffered minor injuries. The most severe injury reported was a broken leg.

According to authorities, the incident occurred as Espanyol fans gathered to welcome the team's coach. The driver's car was wedged between two containers, prompting several supporters to throw objects at the vehicle, which resulted in further damage. In response, the driver accelerated and struck around twenty fans.

"It was an accident, some people were injured, but not seriously. There are no major incidents to report," Salvador Illa, the President of the Generalitat, who was present at the match, told Spanish TV channel Movistar Plus.