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RACISM

‘I heard monkey noises’: Spanish La Liga footballer says racially abused during game

Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams said he was racially abused by "stupid people" during his team's 3-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid on Saturday in La Liga.

Athletic Bilbao's Spanish forward Nico Williams shows his skin colour
Athletic Bilbao's Spanish forward Nico Williams shows his skin colour as he celebrates scoring his team's first goal following alleged racist insults during the Spanish league football match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Athletic Club Bilbao in Madrid on April 27, 2024. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

Williams spoke with the referee after hearing the alleged abuse when he was preparing to take a corner in the first half, and play was held momentarily as supporters were warned.

The Spain winger scored shortly afterwards and celebrated by tapping his arm, indicating the colour of his skin.

“I went to take the corner and I heard monkey noises,” Williams told DAZN.

“There weren’t many of them. There are stupid people everywhere… I hope this changes bit by bit.”

READ ALSO: Football racism: incidents at separate Spanish matches in same day

Williams said his celebration was a response to those who insulted him.

“It was with a bit of anger, it’s not normal to be insulted for the colour of your skin,” he added.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke offered Williams “support and strength” after the game.

“In our society there is no place for people who insult like that,” said Koke.

“Atletico Madrid and all our fans are in favour of Nico and against these situations, which should not happen in a football stadium or in society.

“It can’t happen in the year we’re in or the society we’re in.”

Spanish football has suffered a spate of racist incidents in recent years, many of which have been aimed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.

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RACISM

Atlético Madrid win appeal over racist abuse sanction

The Spanish Football Federation on Thursday accepted Atlético Madrid's appeal against a partial stadium ban after racial abuse directed at Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

Atlético Madrid win appeal over racist abuse sanction

Atlético were initially ordered to partially close their stadium for two La Liga matches following monkey chants heard by Spain international Williams at Atlético’s Metropolitano stadium last month.

The federation pointed to Atlético’s “active cooperation” in their decision to lift the stadium ban and a €20,000 ($21,350) fine.

Williams heard the abuse when he went to take a corner. He subsequently scored, pointing to his arm in reference to his skin colour, in his side’s 3-1 defeat on April 28th.

“There weren’t many of them. There are stupid people everywhere… I hope this changes bit by bit” he said after the match.

Atlético identified the person responsible for the abuse from cameras in the stadium. He was handed over to the police when the game ended, and banned from the club.

The federation praised Atlético’s swift action in what they accepted was “an isolated incident”.

Spanish football has suffered a spate of racist incidents in recent years, many of which have been aimed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.

The Brazil international earned global support after facing off with a fan who was abusing him last year at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium, which also faced subsequent partial closure.

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