VIDEO: Wild scenes as Barcelona players chased from pitch by angry fans after title triumph

Barcelona players were chased from the pitch by angry Espanyol supporters as they celebrated their La Liga triumph on Sunday, with coach Xavi Hernandez saying it was hard to "control" the team's emotions after winning.

The Catalan giants thrashed Espanyol 4-2 at the RCDE Stadium in Cornella and celebrated on the pitch at full-time, with around 100 Espanyol fans invading the pitch.

Barcelona players sprinted down the tunnel to safety and Xavi said his team had to be respectful as they were not in their stadium.

"It was a very emotional moment, a moment very hard not to celebrate, after so many months of working," Xavi told reporters.

"We didn't celebrate just because we were at Espanyol's ground."

The coach said he did not see the supporters rushing onto the pitch as he had already headed in and had told his players to follow.

"I told them to come in because I thought that was enough," Xavi told Movistar.

"The celebration is normal, but I know we're not at home and we can't lack respect.

"I know (emotions are) difficult to control but I told them the best thing would be to get inside now."

VIDEO: Espanyol fans chase Barcelona players off the pitch after title win

Crazy scenes as the Barcelona players and staff are forced to run off the pitch as Espanyol fans invade the pitch... 😳 pic.twitter.com/LPFaeFB6ht

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) May 14, 2023

Barca enjoying the moment but now being chased off pitch by Espanyol fans pic.twitter.com/UfKv78NPOS

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) May 14, 2023

Barcelona players in the tunnel after Espanyol fans rushed the pitch. pic.twitter.com/i4GcM6JwSq

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 14, 2023

 The club are expected to properly celebrate their title win with their fans during a bus parade on Monday. And one player who might be returning for the celebrations is Gerard Pique.

Xavi hinted that the retired defender will be part of the celebrations.

“Pique is a special case because he retired," Xavi said.

"He did not go to another team as in other cases. We have thought about it and we will notify him to invite him to celebrate the league with us.”