Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao winger, has publicly condemned the racial abuse he experienced during a football match. Williams highlighted the distressing incident where he was subjected to monkey chants by spectators. “It’s not normal to be abused because of your skin. I know there’s stupid people everywhere but it has to change,” Williams stated, expressing his dismay at the unacceptable behavior.
Support from Teammates and Opponents
The 20-year-old Spanish international, who recently secured a three-year contract extension with Athletic Bilbao, received significant support from his teammates and rivals alike. Players from Atlético Madrid, against whom the incident occurred, stood by Williams. He acknowledged their support, noting, “Atlético Madrid players supported me, they understand me, it’s unacceptable to hear monkey sounds — I saw and heard three guys doing that.”
Background and Career
Nico Williams, known for his agility and skill on the right wing, has been with Athletic Bilbao since his youth days, progressing through the ranks to the first team. His performances have not only been pivotal for his club but have also attracted interest from other top European clubs, including Chelsea. Despite the external interest, Williams has shown commitment to Athletic Bilbao, a sentiment that was evident when he expressed contentment at the club amid contract negotiations last November.
The incident of racial abuse against Williams underscores ongoing issues of racism in football, calling for continued efforts to combat such unacceptable behavior in the sport.