Atletico Madrid gets two-match partial stand ban after racist abuse

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has instructed Atletico Madrid to partially shut down their south stand for a duration of two matches. This decision comes in response to the racist abuse endured by Athletic Bilbao player Nico Williams during the LaLiga match on Saturday.

Referee Juan Martinez Munuera halted the game in the 36th minute as part of LaLiga's anti-racism protocol after he heard racist insults aimed at the 21-year-old Spanish player, who was born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents.

Atletico, who did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment, have also been fined 20,000 euros ($21,360). They have a period of 10 days to lodge an appeal.

On Tuesday, the RFEF released a statement stating that the closed section of the stadium must visibly display a message condemning violent, racist, xenophobic, and intolerant behavior in football, while also promoting fair play.

Shortly after enduring the abuse, Williams scored a goal and celebrated by running in front of the south stand, tapping his arm to highlight his skin color.

Following Atletico's 3-1 victory, Williams spoke to DAZN and stated, "There are ignorant people everywhere, but we must continue to fight so that change happens little by little."

This incident is the latest in a series of events that have sparked discussions about racism in Spanish football. Over the past two seasons, LaLiga has reported 16 instances of racist abuse against Real Madrid's Brazilian winger, Vinicius Jr, to Spanish prosecutors.

Earlier this month, Spanish TV station Movistar Plus+ dismissed analyst German Burgos after Barcelona and Paris St Germain refused to grant interviews to the network due to a comment that was perceived as racist towards Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

In April, Getafe was ordered to partially close their main stand for three matches following racist and xenophobic abuse directed at Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores and player Marcos Acuna during a LaLiga match.

On the same day, a Spanish third-division match between Rayo Majadahonda and Sestao River was suspended after Rayo's Senegalese goalkeeper, Cheikh Kane Sarr, confronted a rival fan who was racially abusing him.