LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA – SPA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 15: Inaki Williams of Athletic Club looks on during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between UD Las Palmas and Athletic Club at Estadio Gran Canaria on September 15, 2024, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. (Photo By Gabriel Jimenez/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams has called for punishment against Espanyol fans who racially abused his teammates in their matchday 24 fixture on Sunday.
Moroccan international Maroan Sannadi was subjected to racist insults at the RCDE Stadium.
The incident occurred in the first half, prompting Williams to inform the referee, which led to the activation of football’s anti-racism protocol.
As part of the protocol, an initial warning was issued over the stadium’s loudspeaker.
If the abuse continued, the match would be temporarily halted, with players leaving the pitch only on a third occurrence.
Williams, who was near the incident, confirmed he heard insults directed at Sannadi.
Speaking to Cadena SER after the game, the Ghanaian international emphasized that football as a whole must unite against racism and stressed that the issue was not exclusive to Espanyol.
“Football is meant to be enjoyed, and things like this should never happen,” Williams said.
“Maroan made a simple play, and they insulted him, calling him a f**** Moor. This isn’t the first time it has happened here it happened to me before but that shouldn’t tarnish Espanyol’s fan base.”
He continued, “Football needs to be protected. Espanyol needs it true fans, not the handful of people ruining the game. It’s a shame. The referee handled it well, but I don’t understand why Espanyol fans whistled at me afterwards. I hope action is taken, awareness is raised, and those responsible are punished.
Racism has become a growing issue in Spanish football, with repeated incidents, including abuse aimed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in recent years.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw which leaves Espanyol a point above the relegation zone.
While stricter punishments, including prison sentences, are now being enforced, there remains debate over whether these measures are enough to deter racist behaviour in the sport.
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