LaLiga supports Athletic Club star following racist abuse

LaLiga have taken action in support of Nico Williams after the winger was subjected to racist abuse by members of his club's fanbase. 

The 20-year-old winger was in action as Athletic Club were knocked out in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey by Osasuna, after a 1-1 draw last night at the San Mames and 2-1 on aggregate, as an Abde strike helped Los Rojillos win the first-leg. 

The Spain international had an unfortunate performance in which he missed two big chances, causing members of the Lions fan base to send racist insults his way. 

LaLiga, via the LaLiga Corporate Twitter account, in reply to a tweet by Athletic Club condemning the act, took to the support of young Williams. 

The league reiterated its stance against racism, saying they will continue to fight to eradicate these acts of hate. 

The league suggested that they do not view the culprits of this act as fans of the club from Bilbao, saying the true fans of the club will not be viewed through the lens of a decadent few.  

LaLiga statement: “LaLiga shows its support for the @AthleticClub player, Nico Williams, and condemns any insult and disrespect.”

“That the unconditional support of the Rojiblanca fans is not stained by the bad behaviour of those who are not fans of anything. LaLiga and the clubs will continue working to eradicate these behaviours.”

The statement in support of Nico is consistent with the stand LaLiga has taken against racism this season. As we reported previously, La Liga released a statement detailing steps that have been taken and steps that will be taken to ensure that Vinicius’ abusers will be brought to justice after the Real Madrid forward went to social media to lament the abuse he suffered during Madrid’s game against Real Valladolid.

Vinicius had accused LaLiga of doing nothing against racism as the Brazilian forward tweeted a complaint, fingering the Spanish league's governing body for their lack of action against the racists that taunted him during Madrid’s return to action.

The only initial response by an official of La Liga was made by the league’s president, Javier Tebas, who responded to Vinicius asking him to get better information about La Liga’s efforts against racism, which he says have been going on for years.