La Liga
Nico Williams Accuses Atletico Madrid Fans Of Racist Abuse
Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams, stated that he was subjected to racial abuse by individuals he described as “stupid” during his team’s 3-1 loss against Atletico Madrid in a La Liga match on Saturday.
After allegedly hearing the abuse while preparing to take a corner in the first half, Williams spoke with the referee, and play was briefly halted as fans were cautioned. The Spanish winger then scored shortly thereafter and celebrated by tapping his arm, symbolizing the color 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 lined that his celebration was a direct response to the individuals who had insulted him. “It was with a bit of anger, it’s not normal to be insulted for the color 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 favor of Nico and against these situations, which should not happen in a football stadium or society. It can’t happen in the year we’re in or the society we’re in.”
In recent years, Spanish football has experienced a series of racist incidents, with many targeting Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Athletic, currently in fifth place, now trails fourth-place Atletico Madrid by six points in the race for Champions League qualification, with five league games left to play.
