BARCELONA Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga game at Espanyol was temporarily halted after visiting striker Inaki Williams reported alleged racist abuse towards team-mate Maroan Sannadi in Sunday’s 1-1 draw.

The incident occurred in the first half when Williams told referee Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez that Espanyol fans had hurled racial abuse at Sannadi, whose parents are Moroccan.

The game was stopped in the 16th minute when the referee discussed the issue with the two captains and match delegate.

Spanish media reported that the match was halted for three minutes as part of the anti-racism protocol, and announcements were made asking the crowd to stop chanting. The referee warned that he would stop the game if the incident was repeated.

After the game resumed, Espanyol’s Roberto Fernandez scored in the 62nd minute and Oihan Sancet equalised in the 77th.

Espanyol and Athletic condemned the abuse on Sunday.

Bilbao’s draw means they remain fourth, three points behind Barcelona.

Espanyol will rue the two dropped points but still climb out of the relegation zone. They are now 15th on 24 points, just one ahead of 18th-placed Valencia, the first team in the relegation places.

Real Betis eased to a 3-0 win over Real Sociedad who finished the match with nine men.

Antony, on loan from Manchester United, was on target for Betis with Marc Roca scoring twice in the second half.

For Sociedad, Igor Zubeldia and Sheraldo Becker were red-carded.

Sevilla defeated rock-bottom Valladolid 4-0 thanks to two goals for Juanlu Sanchez and one each by Isaac Romero and Belgium’s Dodi Lukebakio.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2025