Catalonia’s derby takes toxic turn

2016 has begun with football and politics mixing again in Catalonia with unfortunate results — during three ‘derbi’ games packed with plenty of regretful incident on and off the pitch.

The first meeting finished at Espanyol’s Cornella-El Prat stadium on January 2 was a goalless draw marred by racist chants aimed at Barcelona forward Neymar and coach Luis Enrique.

Three days later, Barca won a Copa del Rey game 4-1 at the Camp Nou.