Nico Williams was a victim of racial abuse during Athletic Bilbao’s clash with Atletico Madrid at Estadio Civitas Metropolitano on April 27, 2024.
Williams scored the only goal for Bilbao minutes after he was subjected to racism, equalizing for his side in the 45th minute, after Rodrigo De Paul had put the home side in front.
In the second period, a goal from Angel Correa and an own goal from Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon resulted in Atletico Madrid securing the 3 points.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams, 21, requested for referee Juan Martinez to halt the game midway through the opening 45.
The affair was subsequently paused to announce to the crowd, and Atletico players Antoine Griezmann and Jose Maria Gimenez appeared to urge their fans to put an end to the chants before play restarted.
Nico Williams On The Racial Abuse He Was Subjected To In Atletico Bilbao’s Game Against Atletico Madrid
Williams during an interview with DAZN branded those making the chance as “stupid people”, and he hopes racism can be nipped in the bud gradually.
Nico Williams said: “I have gone to take a corner and I have heard monkey sounds.
“There are stupid people everywhere, but nothing happens. We have to keep working.
“I hope this changes little by little because, in the end, we are fighting internally and externally against this.”
Williams was booed by some fans throughout the showdown, and it intensified when the match was stopped and after he equalized just before the break.
Nico Williams, who put up a puzzling celebration, also explained his reason for celebrating in the manner in which he did.
The attacker said: “It comes with a bit of anger.
“It is not normal that they still insult you because of your skin tone.”
Elder brother Inaki Williams, 29, also had his say on the incident after the game saying: “The jeers should be directed at the people who said the insults and not at the victim.”
Nico Williams has scored 7 goals and providing 14 assists in 33 appears this campaign in all competitions.
Atletico Madrid And La Liga Reiterate Stance On Racism Following The Incident
Taking to social media, Atletico Madrid also distanced themselves from racism, stating clearly that they were “against any act of racism or hatred”.
La Liga also put out a statement that reads: “There’s no place for racist or hateful behaviour in sport.
“La Liga vehemently condemns any racist acts and will continue working to eradicate this inexcusable behaviour from our sport.”
Moreover, the Spanish Police have also reportedly identified an individual who racially abused Nico Williams.
The Atlético Madrid stadium security cameras have facilitated and helped in hastening the police work.
Additionally, Atletico Madrid sit 4th on the La Liga table, with 64 points from 33 league matches.
They are 6 points better than Athletic Bilbao, who sit 5th on the log, with 58 points from 33 games.
This indicates that they are in a good position to guarantee their place in the UEFA Champions League for next season.
