BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Another incident of racism in Spanish soccer marred Atletico Madrid’s 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.
Spain forward Nico Williams said he was targeted by “monkey” shouts while he took a corner kick in the first half at Metropolitano Stadium. When he later scored Athletic’s goal, he appeared to respond to the insults by running past the stands and tapping his forearm in reference to his skin color.
“I heard the monkey sounds, but it is always the same two or three people. We have to keep working on this. I hope one day it will stop,” the 21-year-old Nico said.
His older brother Iñaki Willliams, who has also endured racist insults in his career, broadened his criticism beyond those who insulted his brother to include the fans who jeered and booed Nico after he responded to the incident.
“They jeered him every time he touched the ball,” Iñaki said. “I can’t understand that. They should jeer the aggressors, not the victim.”
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus headline Women's Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony
Poppy Harlow is leaving CNN after more than 15 years
Chris Brady has 5 saves to help Fire play Atlanta to 0
Tamara Ecclestone is criticised as her daughter Fifi, 10, heads out wearing heavy make
Musa, Ibeagha score in second half to lead Dallas over Dynamo 2
The Cowboys passed on running back in the NFL draft. A reunion with Ezekiel Elliott might be next
Let's draft two! Jaguars double up on LSU stars by selecting WR Thomas Jr. and DT Smith early
Kevin Pillar gets 1,000th career hit in Angels' win at Texas
Michael Boxall and Tani Oluwaseyi score goals; Minnesota beats Sporting KC 2