Spanish league match briefly interrupted because of racist chants
MADRID (AP) — Athletic Bilbao’s game at Espanyol was briefly interrupted on Sunday because of fans’ racist chants.
The referee activated the anti-racism protocol and stopped the Spanish league match in Barcelona about 20 minutes into the first half.
Athletic forward Iñaki Williams denounced the chants afterward, saying they were targeted at his teammate Maroan Sannadi. Williams has previously been subjected to racist chants at Espanyol.
“People should come to soccer matches to have a good time,” Williams said. “These types of things can’t be happening.”
The interruption lasted about three minutes and a message was broadcast to fans reminding them about punishment under the law for such chants.
The game ended 1-1, with Oihan Sancet scoring the equalizer in the 77th after Roberto Fernández put the hosts ahead in the 62nd.
The Spanish league is expected to investigate the chants, with Espanyol facing a possible punishment.
The result kept Athletic four points ahead of Villarreal and in the fourth and final Champions League spot. Villarreal was held at home by Valencia on Saturday.
Two red cards for Sociedad
Real Sociedad had Igor Zubeldia sent off in the 20th minute and Sheraldo Becker ejected in the 75th in a 3-0 loss at Real Betis.
It was the team’s first loss after a three-game winning streak in all competitions.
The result left the Basque Country club in 11th place.
Marc Roca scored twice for Betis, which moved to eighth place.
Sevilla wins
Sevilla snapped a three-game winless streak by routing last-placed Valladolid 4-0 with a brace for Juanlu Sánchez. Isaac Romero and Dodi Lukebakio also scored for the visitors, who moved to 12th place.
It was the fifth consecutive loss for Valladolid, whose fans protested against the owner – former Brazil great Ronaldo. Some fans held “Ronaldo Go Home” signs.
Muriqi double
Striker Vedat Muriqi scored twice in the first half-hour to lead Mallorca to a comfortable 3-1 home win over Las Palmas.
It was Mallorca’s first win after six matches. It lost five in a row in all competitions before a draw against Osasuna in the previous Spanish league round. It sits in seventh place, near the European qualifying places.
Las Palmas, in 17th place, hasn’t won in seven matches in all competitions with six losses and a draw.
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