Espanyol Fan Sentenced for Racist Abuse Towards Inaki Williams
A Spanish court has sentenced an Espanyol fan to one year in prison for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams during a match in 2020.
Inaki Williams expressed his sadness and disappointment over the racist insults he experienced, describing them as “completely out of order...”
An Espanyol fan has been sentenced to one year in prison for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams during a La Liga match in January 2020. Although the fan won't serve jail time since the sentence is under two years and they have no prior convictions, they will face other penalties. The abuse occurred at the RCDE Stadium, where Williams was subjected to monkey chants and gestures, sparking widespread condemnation across Spanish football.
The incident marked a significant case in Spain's fight against racism in football, with La Liga welcoming the ruling as a milestone. Inaki Williams, along with other prominent players like Vinicius Junior and Nico Williams, has been vocal about combating racism in Spanish football.
The defendant imitated monkey noises and gestures towards Williams, who was born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents. This case marks a crucial step in addressing racism in Spanish football.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Williams expressed his sadness over the racist insults, emphasizing that football should be played in a friendly atmosphere. The defendant's sentence also includes a fine, a three-year ban from football stadiums, and a five-year disqualification from working in education or sports-related professions.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: A fan has been jailed for a year in prison and 2 years without going to a stadium for racially abusing Iñaki Williams in 2020. pic.twitter.com/sq8YNJVJHD
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) September 3, 2025
Although the sentence is for a year, the fan won't serve jail time due to Spanish law, which typically suspends prison sentences under two years for first-time offenders who commit non-violent crimes.
Terms of the Sentence:
- Prison Sentence: One year, suspended
- Fine: Approximately 1,000 euros ($1,200)
- Stadium Ban: Three years, prohibiting attendance at football matches
- Professional Restrictions: Five-year ban from working in education or sports-related professions
The Spanish Prosecutor's Office had initially sought a two-year sentence but reached an agreement with the accused, reducing the punishment. La Liga welcomed the ruling, emphasizing its significance in combating racism in football. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting the need for stricter measures to prevent racist abuse in Spanish football.
Inaki Williams expressed his sadness and disappointment over the racist insults he experienced, describing them as “completely out of order.” He emphasized that football should be a welcoming environment where people can come together, enjoy the game, and appreciate the teamwork. Unfortunately, incidents like these are not isolated, and Spanish football has faced numerous cases of racist abuse in recent years, including those targeting Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. Williams' experience highlights the need for continued efforts to combat racism in sports and ensure a respectful atmosphere for all players and fans.
Recent Developments in Combating Racism in Spanish Football
Vinicius Jr.'s Impact: Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. accused LaLiga and Spain of racism in 2023 after being subjected to slurs during a match at Valencia's Mestalla stadium, drawing further attention to the issue.
Landmark Ruling: In May 2025, the Provincial Court of Valladolid handed down the first ruling in Spain condemning racist insults in a football stadium as a hate crime, imposing prison sentences and fines on those responsible for abusing Vinicius Jr. during a match.
LaLiga's Efforts: LaLiga has been working to eradicate racism in Spanish football through its "LaLiga VS” project, which includes legal actions, awareness campaigns, and technological tools t“ identify and report discriminatory behavior.
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