Spanish referee is hit by a bottle thrown from the crowd after Villarreal’s 2-1 win at Espanyol – as manager fears partial stadium closure

Villarreal’s 2-1 win over Espanyol on Thursday night was overshadowed by an incident that saw the referee hit by an object from the crowd.  

Referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez was struck by what looked to be a bottle, which had been thrown by a disgruntled Espanyol supporter, as he neared the tunnel after the match. 

The official appeared to be unhurt and quickly identified the fan he believed was responsible. He was joined in pointing out the offender by two stewards and a fourth official. 

In addition to a punishment for the fan, the incident could also see the home side hit with a full or partial stadium closure. 

Head coach Manolo Gonzalez said after the match that he is hopeful it will be the latter. 

Referee Alejandro Quintero Gonzalez was struck by an object thrown by a supporter after the final whistle

The object caught the official in the midriff. He reacted quickly to try and identify perpetrator 

Espanyol head coach Manolo Gonzalez said he hoped the club would not be hit with a full stadium closure

‘Let’s hope that is not the case. I prefer not to talk about it because everything is problems. We already know how everything goes. Let’s hope they don’t close the stadium.’ 

During the clash, Espanyol had relinquished their advantage by the interval the Stage Front Stadium and their frustration turned to anger when their side were not given a foul for a challenge on forward Walid Cheddira late on. 

‘Let’s hope that is not the case. I prefer not to talk about it because everything is problems. We already know how everything goes. Let’s hope they don’t close the stadium.’

Earlier in his press conference, the 45-year-old had struggled to conceal his fury at the officiating at the end of the match, claiming that he could be in trouble if he made the extent of his feelings known. 

‘If I tell the truth about what I think, I could be penalised,’ he is reported as saying by Mundo Deportivo. I don’t understand why they give the advantage rule if there are so many players inside the box.

‘I don’t want to blame the referee either. Thinking about it any more once the match is over doesn’t make sense.’

Former Newcastle and Leicester striker Ayoze Perez bagged a brace, taking his tally for the season to six goals in seven games

Following the defeat, Espanyol sit 14th in LaLiga with seven points in as many games this term, while Villarreal climb up to fourth ahead of Athletic Bilbao. 

The visitor’s hero in Catalonia was former Newcastle and Leicester striker Ayoze Perez, who took his tally in the league to six with a brace.