New Delhi: Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga clash on Sunday had to be stopped after one of the visiting players alleged that he had been racially abused by fans. Bilbao forward Inaki Williams brought to in referee’s notice that his teammate Maroan Sannadi was being abused by fans of Espanyol during the first half.
The referee immediately responded by initiating La Liga’s anti-racism protocol, which saw the game suspended and a message was played on the stadium’s public address system which warned fans that the game would be abandoned if abuses didn’t stop. Along with this, a message was also played in Cornella-El Prat stadium condemning racism. The game ultimately resumed with both sides scoring in the second half and playing a 1-1 draw.
Following the game Williams commented about the incident saying that fans should support their team. However, he noted that both fanbases were welcomed as they make the game interesting and a few miscreants cannot “tarnish” football. Since the incident, both clubs have condemned the incident.
✊🏿 Zero tolerance against racism, zero tolerance for any kind of discrimination.
❌ There’s no room for racists and racism at football stadiums or in society.#AthleticClub 🦁 https://t.co/iptYgOe6h0
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) February 16, 2025
Even Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde was asked about the incident who noted that it was a recurring issue around the stadiums and felt it was necessary to work on it as it is “general manners”.
Repeated incidents of racism in La Liga
Both La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have taken steps to counter an increase in racism abuse having already introduced partial closure of stadiums. Last June three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison after they abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a game in May 2023. Vinicius has repeatedly faced racist slurs in La Liga.
In fact, in October 2024, three players were arrested after they were alleged to have overseen a campaign of racism and hate against the Brazil international. In the same month, Barcelona’s teenage forward Lamine Yamal was amongst some of the players who faced racist abuse during El Clasico at Bernabeu. A minor in November was fined and handed a one-year ban from entering the stadium for abusing Vinicius.
Match between Athletic Bilbao and Espanyol saw brief suspension after visiting Athletic’s captain Inaki Williams reported alleged racist comments directed towards his player Maroan Sannadi. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
