Espanyol Fans Taunt Gerard Pique with Shakira Banner, Aim Dig at Lionel Messi

Espanyol supporters sought to taunt Barcelona players Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi in the latest bitter episode between the two local rivals on Wednesday.

As reported by Pete Jenson of the MailOnline, the home fans at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat unfurled banners during the match, which Barcelona won 2-0.

One was in reference to Pique’s partner and the mother of his children, Shakira, reading “Shakira es de todos,” which translates as “Shakira is everyone’s.”

Here's a look at the banner in question, per MailOnline Sport:

According to Sport, there was another banner which targeted the Colombian singer, making reference to her ex-boyfriend Antonio de la Rua. “Antonio de la Rua, with you everything started,” it is reported to have read.

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Additionally, there was another banner aimed at Messi, related to an incident in the previous match between the two sides, when Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez appeared to stamp on the Barcelona forward.

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The message read “Pau your foot shows us the way” and is similar to a poster that Real Madrid supporters had in a game against Barcelona in the wake of their former manager Jose Mourinho poking the late Tito Vilanova in the eye. It read “Jose your finger shows us the way,” and according to Jenson, this latest version “will be seen by some as a slight on the late Barcelona coach.”

Football writer Diana Kristinne thinks the Espanyol fans crossed a line with some of their antics:

According to Jenson, Espanyol could now face action from the Spanish FA due to the banners on show, with a spate of recent warnings being directed to clubs over fans' behaviour.

It’s claimed there have been issues with Real Betis, Sevilla, Real Madrid and Barcelona supporters lately and the authorities “are expected to make an example of Espanyol fans after this incident."

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On the pitch Barcelona completed the job professionally after their 4-1 win at the Nou Camp, as Munir El Haddadi notched a fine brace to give them a 6-1 aggregate win.

It was the first time Messi had played since he was named as FIFA’s best player for a fifth year, winning the coveted Ballon d’Or on Monday. Luis Suarez was suspended for this clash after his actions in the first leg, while Neymar was an unused substitute on the night along with Pique.