Nico Williams, the forward for Athletic Bilbao, recently spoke out about experiencing racial abuse during his team’s match against Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Williams reported that he heard monkey noises and other insults from the crowd while preparing to take a corner kick in the first half. Play was temporarily paused as the referee was made aware of the situation and supporters were warned.
Despite the abuse, Williams managed to score shortly after the incident and celebrated by pointing to the color of his skin. He expressed his frustration and anger towards those who targeted him based on his race, stating that it’s unacceptable to face such behavior in this day and age.
In response to the incident, Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke offered his support to Williams, condemning the racial abuse and emphasizing that such behavior has no place in football or society. He stressed that everyone should stand against discrimination and racism, highlighting the importance of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment.
This incident sheds light on the ongoing issue of racism in Spanish football, with several players, including Real Madrid’s Junior, being targeted in recent years. The sport continues to grapple with these challenges, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to tackle discrimination and promote equality.
Athletic Bilbao, currently in fifth place, suffered a 3-1 defeat against Atletico Madrid, who are positioned fourth in the league standings. With just five games remaining in the season, the race for Champions League qualification is heating up, adding more intensity to an already competitive campaign.
