A supporter of Spanish top-flight club Espanyol Barcelona has been convicted for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao striker Iñaki Williams. The ruling is being hailed by the league as an important step in the fight against discrimination in Spanish football.
One Year in Prison, Suspended
The incident took place in January 2020 during a league match in Barcelona, where the fan insulted Williams with chants and gestures. The High Court of Catalonia has now imposed a one-year prison sentence, suspended due to the offender’s lack of prior convictions. He was also fined around €1,000 and banned from attending stadiums for three years.
Plea Deal Reached
Prosecutors had initially sought a two-year prison term but reached a plea agreement with the defendant. “Today’s ruling represents another significant milestone in the fight against racism in football and in eliminating all forms of violence inside and outside stadiums,” the league said in a statement.
Spain’s Ongoing Struggle with Racism
Spanish football has been repeatedly marred by racist incidents in recent years. In June 2024, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for abusing Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. Both Iñaki and his brother Nico Williams have long been outspoken against discrimination and continue to call for tougher measures.
