Nico Williams accuses Atletico fans of racist abuse
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams scored against Atletico Madrid after accusing a section of home fans of racially abusing him.
The winger tried to get referee Juan Martinez to stop play after alerting the officials to the alleged chanting.
Atletico players Antoine Griezmann and Jose Maria Gimenez then appeared to be urging the home fans to stop the chanting before play resumed.
“I have gone to take a corner and I have heard monkey sounds,” he said.
“There are stupid people everywhere, but nothing happens, we have to keep working,” he told broadcaster DAZN after the match.
“I hope this changes little by little because in the end we are fighting internally and externally against this.”
Talking about his goal celebration, he said: “It comes with a bit of anger, it is not normal that they still insult you because of your skin tone.”
Writing on social media Atletico said the club was “against any act of racism or hatred”.
A La Liga statement said: “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.”
Williams, 21, cancelled out Rodrigo de Paul’s opener late in the first half.
Angel Correa’s effort early in the second half and an own goal from Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon earned the hosts all three points.
Diego Simeone’s side are now six points clear of fifth-place Athletic with five games remaining, leaving them well positioned to secure Champions League football next season.
Last month, Real Madrid filed a complaint with the Spanish legal authorities after a video on social media appeared to show Atletico fans chanting a racist slur about Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr.