A Barcelona court has handed a one-year prison sentence to an Espanyol supporter who racially abused Athletic Bilbao striker Iñaki Williams.
The incident took place in January 2020 at Espanyol’s RCDE Stadium, where the fan directed racist chants and gestures at the Ghanaian international.
Under Spanish law, because the term is less than two years and the individual has no prior criminal record, the jail time will not be served.
Instead, the supporter has been ordered to pay a fine of approximately €1,000 and is barred from entering football stadiums for three years, according to a statement released by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia.
The Spanish Prosecutor’s Office had originally sought a two-year sentence but ultimately reached an agreement with the defendant.
‘Today’s ruling represents another milestone in the fight against racism in football and the eradication of all forms of violence inside and outside stadiums,’ said La Liga in its reaction.
Racist abuse has been a recurring problem in Spanish football. Earlier this year, in February, another clash between Espanyol and Athletic was halted after allegations that visiting forward Maroan Sannadi was targeted by racist insults from home supporters.
In June, four Atlético Madrid ultras received suspended jail terms after hanging a mannequin of Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior from a bridge – an act police classified as a ‘hate crime’. ALSO READ: Four people convicted of hate crimes for hanging effigy of Vinícius Júnior from a bridge.
Vinícius has been subjected to repeated racist abuse since arriving in Madrid in 2018, with several offenders facing convictions. In June 2024, three Valencia fans were given eight-month prison terms for insulting the Brazilian. ALSO READ: Vinícius breaks down while talking about racist insults he’s suffered in Spain.
Alongside him, Iñaki Williams and his brother Nico Williams have become prominent voices in the campaign to combat racism within Spanish football.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
⚖️ A court has issued a ruling on the racist insults directed at @Williaaams45, reported by LALIGA in January 2020 during the @RCDEspanyol_EN – @Athletic_en match.
— LALIGA Corporativo (@LaLigaCorp) September 3, 2025
✅ The defendant has been convicted of a hate crime: 1 year in prison, 3 years banned from stadiums, and 4 years… pic.twitter.com/Sg0VOWxZ4u
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.