Historic Sentencing in Spanish Soccer Racism Case
A man received a one-year prison sentence for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao's Inaki Williams in 2020, the first case of its kind in Spanish soccer courts. The offender, also fined and banned from soccer stadiums, avoided jail time due to the typical suspension of non-violent first offenses.
- Country:
- Spain
In a landmark decision, a Barcelona court sentenced a man to one year in prison for racially abusing Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams during a 2020 match at Espanyol's Cornella-El Prat stadium. This marks the first racial abuse case in Spanish soccer to reach the courts.
Racism in Spanish football has gained momentum since last season's incident when Athletic Bilbao's game at Espanyol was temporarily halted after Williams reported racist abuse towards his teammate. Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr had also accused LaLiga and Spain of racism in 2023, further intensifying scrutiny.
The convicted man, whose identity remains undisclosed, agreed to additional penalties including a fine, a three-year ban from soccer stadiums, and a five-year prohibition from working in education or sports. Despite the one-year sentence, jail time is unlikely due to Spanish laws suspending non-violent first offenses under two years.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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