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An anti-racism message was shown on the stadium big screen following the allegations Sunday's La Liga match between Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao was briefly stopped after allegations that a visiting player was racially abused by fans. Bilbao forward Inaki Williams told the referee that team-mate Maroan Sannadi was being abused by some Espanyol supporters during the first half. The referee responded by activating La Liga's anti-racism protocol, which saw the match suspended and a message played on the stadium public address system warning fans it would be abandoned if the abuse did not stop. A message condemning racism was also shown on the big screen at Epsanyol's Cornella-El Prat stadium. The game did eventually continue, with both sides netting in the second half in a 1-1 draw. Speaking after the game, Williams said: "People should come to football to support [their team]. I think that Espanyol and the Espanyol players need their fans and should not let few people tarnish what is true football. " Both clubs condemned the abuse on social media, with Bilbao posting: "United against racism, zero tolerance for any discriminatory attitude. " Asked about the incident, Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde said: "It's a situation that unfortunately happens in more places. We don't like it to happen at any stadium. It's a question of general manners and it's something that we have to work on. " How can you fix racism in Spanish football? The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga have taken steps to try to tackle an increase in racist abuse by introducing measures including partial stadium closures. Three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison in June 2024 for abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who has frequently been subjected to racist abuse in Spain, at a match in May 2023. In October, four people were arrested for allegedly conducting an online campaign of hate and racism against Vinicius. Later that month, teenage forward Lamine Yamal was among the Barcelona players targeted by racist abuse during an El Clasico against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. In November, a minor who racially abused Vinicius was fined and given a one-year stadium ban. Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Last Updated 16th February 2025 at 21: 53 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Manolo González Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Ernesto Valverde Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Manolo González Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Ernesto Valverde Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Spanish La Liga All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, Espanyol 1, Athletic Club 1. Second Half ends, Espanyol 1, Athletic Club 1. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match because of an injury Marash Kumbulla (Espanyol). Corner, Athletic Club. Conceded by Joan García. Attempt saved. Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club) left footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Óscar De Marcos. Offside, Espanyol. Pere Milla is caught offside. Corner, Athletic Club. Conceded by Omar El Hilali. Nico Williams (Athletic Club) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Omar El Hilali (Espanyol). Aitor Paredes (Athletic Club) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Antoniu Roca (Espanyol). Attempt missed. Pere Milla (Espanyol) left footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time. Attempt blocked. Nico Williams (Athletic Club) right footed shot from a difficult angle on the left is blocked. Assisted by Yuri Berchiche. Offside, Espanyol. Antoniu Roca is caught offside. Substitution, Espanyol. Pere Milla replaces Javi Puado. Foul by Aitor Paredes (Athletic Club). Joan García (Espanyol) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Corner, Athletic Club. Conceded by Antoniu Roca. Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.