 "Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams pointed to his skin after scoring against Atletico Madrid having been racially abused in a La Liga game. Reuters")
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams said he was racially abused by “stupid people” during his team’s 3-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid in La Liga. The incident occurred in the first half of the contest at the Wanda Metropolitano. After hearing the alleged racist chants as he prepared to take a corner, Williams spoke with the referee as per the protocols established by the Spanish league.
With play momentarily halted, the referee notified the fourth official and the match delegate of the issue with supporters subsequently warned over the loudspeaker.
At the same time, Atletico Madrid players tried to calm the situation down by offering their support to Nico.
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.”
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”.
“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 flurry of racist incidents in recent years, many of which have been aimed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Athletic, fifth, are now six points behind fourth place Atletico Madrid in the race for Champions League qualification with five league games remaining.
(with inputs from AFP)