A football fan has been sentenced to one year in prison for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao and Ghana international Iñaki Williams during a La Liga match at Espanyol’s Cornella-El Prat stadium in 2020.
The man, whose identity has not been made public, was found guilty of directing racist insults at Williams, including imitating monkey sounds and gestures. The abuse occurred as Williams left the pitch during the match, and marks the first time a case of racial abuse in Spanish football has resulted in a criminal conviction.
Prosecutors had originally sought a two-year prison sentence, but under Spanish law, first-time offenders convicted of non-violent crimes typically do not serve time if the sentence is under two years. The court ruled that the one-year term will be suspended unless the defendant reoffends.
In addition to the prison sentence, the individual has been fined and handed a three-year ban from attending football matches. He is also prohibited from working in education or any sport-related profession for five years.
Williams, who was born in Bilbao to Ghanaian parents who met in a refugee camp, has been a vocal advocate against racism in football. Speaking after the 2020 incident, he described the abuse as “completely out of order” and said it left him feeling deeply saddened.
“Football is a team sport that should be played in a friendly atmosphere,” he said at the time.
The ruling sets a legal precedent in Spain, where several high-profile players, including Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr., have spoken out against ongoing racism in the sport.
Earlier this year, another La Liga match involving Athletic Bilbao was briefly halted after Williams reported racist abuse directed at teammate Maroan Sannadi during a game at Espanyol.
The Spanish Football Federation and anti-racism groups have welcomed the court’s decision, calling it a step forward in addressing discrimination within the sport.
