Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga match was called off because of alleged racial taunts.
After an Athletic player was allegedly the target of racist taunts from supporters.
La Liga game between Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao was momentarily stopped on Sunday afternoon.
Iñaki Williams, a forward for Athletic, told referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernández during the first half that his teammate Maroan Sannadi. Whose parents are Moroccan, had been harassed by home team supporters.
Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao’s In response, the referee triggered the league’s anti-racism policy. Which halted play and aired a message to fans alerting them that the match would be canceled if the abuse persisted.
Additionally, a message denouncing racist, xenophobic, and homophobic insults was shown on Stage Front Stadium’s enormous screen.
Before play resumed, the game was halted for roughly three minutes.
“Enjoyment should be the main goal of football. Two of the clock in the afternoon on a pleasant Sunday. In an interview following the game, Williams stated, “This kind of behavior should not happen.”
“The referee performed admirably. The screens displayed the message. In any case, let us hope that the authorities correct the situation, give it attention, and punish the offenders. I was not really sure why the spectators were whistling at me.
Both teams also took to social media to denounce racist taunts during soccer games.
Athletic’s statement read: “We are united against racism and have zero tolerance for any discriminatory behavior.” Our society and soccer fields do not require these individuals or their mindsets. “RCD Espanyol categorically condemns, once again, any act of racism on the football pitch,” the organization stated.
“Racism has no place in our stadiums. LaLiga wrote in a post-match interview with Iñaki Williams about the incidents on its corporate social media account.
La Liga, Athletic Bilbao, Espanyol, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have all been contacted by CNN for comment.
Twelve of Espanyol’s supporters were banned in 2020 after it was discovered that they had harassed. Williams racially at a game in January of that year.
Over the past few years, LaLiga has witnessed numerous high-profile instances of racist abuse. Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid in particular has frequently denounced the mistreatment he has endured.
In June 2024.
Three Valencia supporters received eight-month prison sentences for using racial taunts against the Brazilian player during a May 2023 game.
Sunday afternoon’s match ended in a 1-1 draw. In the 62nd minute. Roberto Fernández gave Espanyol the lead when he stole the ball from goalie Unai Simón and rolled it into the net.
However, 15 minutes later, Oihan Sancet equalized by volleying home a corner from the right of Nico Williams, Iñaki’s brother.
