Ronald Araújo apologizes for gestures against Espanyol players and fans

The match between Barcelona and Espanyol ended in a 2-2 draw. Beyond the result with the agonizing equality of those led by Xavi Hernández, the game had the controversy of the gestures and words that the Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo had against the Espanyol bench and also against his fans.

The transmission managed to capture the moment where the defender made a thumbs down gesture with the number 2, in reference to Espanyol’s relegation. He did it repeatedly against the bench of the rival team and at one point against the fans in the stands, who also responded to what the footballer did.

Knowing that the action was controversial, the Uruguayan manifested himself with a message on his social networks: “I want to apologize to all the people of Espanyol for the unfortunate gesture I had tonight. Everything has been the result of the tension experienced during a derby as disputed as today’s. I consider myself a person who respects the hobbies and rival clubs and that is why I am not proud of what happened”.

At a press conference, the Barcelona coach had already spoken about the matter: “I haven’t seen it. We have to respect the opponent, the referee, the rival fans… we always have to be respectful, but the tension can get to you sometimes… but I apologize. If that has happened, it can’t happen”.

The goal: Champions

Barcelona got a point that allows the Catalans to recover the fourth position that gives the quota to the next Champions League, in a season that began with Ronald Koeman, but due to poor results, he had to leave his position.

Barcelona’s next match for the League will be on February 20 as a visitor against Valencia, but before that, on the 17th of the same month, they will face Napoli at home, for the Europa League.