Inaki Williams is a player of Athletic Club
A Spanish court has handed a one-year prison sentence to an Espanyol supporter who racially abused Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams during a La Liga match in 2020.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, by a Barcelona court, also includes a €1,000 fine, a three-year ban from entering football stadiums, and a five-year prohibition from working as a teacher.
The defendant admitted his guilt shortly before the trial began, reaching an agreement with prosecutors that reduced the charges.
The incident occurred on January 25, 2020, when Bilbao visited Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat.
Iñaki Williams condemns Espanyol fans over racist taunts
Williams was subjected to monkey chants and other insults from the crowd as he was substituted in the second half, an episode that drew widespread condemnation across Spanish football.
Initially, prosecutors had sought a two-year sentence and a €5,000 fine, but the punishment was reduced after the defendant accepted responsibility.
His lawyer has also requested that he serve his sentence outside prison, given that the punishment is under two years and he has no prior criminal record.
In its ruling, the public prosecution highlighted that Williams endured “frustration, shame, and humiliation” and that his “dignity” was attacked in front of a massive audience.
Approximately 27,000 fans were present at the stadium, while more than 200,000 viewers followed the game live on television, with countless more listening on radio.
The case also echoes more recent events: in 2025, another Athletic Bilbao player faced racist abuse during a league match against Espanyol, forcing the referee to temporarily suspend play for three minutes.
This sentence marks one of the most significant rulings in Spain’s fight against racism in football, as authorities step up efforts to hold offenders accountable.
FKA/EB
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