Espanyol Fan Condemned for Racism Against Iñaki Williams
A Espanyol supporter has been sentenced to one year in prison and a two-year ban from attending football events, after being found guilty of uttering racist insults against Athletic Bilbao player Iñaki Williams. The incident took place during a LaLiga match at the Cornellà-El Prat stadium in January 2020. The defendant, K.G.B., reached an agreement with the Prosecution, accepting a sentence for incitement to hatred. Initially, the Prosecution requested a sentence of two years in prison.The sentence includes a four-year ban from working in the educational or sports field, as well as a two-year ban from approaching football stadiums of any category. On January 25, 2020, during the match between Espanyol and Athletic Club, Iñaki Williams was the victim of boos and racist insults when he was substituted. The Prosecution indicated that part of the Espanyol fans imitated ape gestures and emitted sounds that were intended to emulate monkeys. K.G.B., of Spanish nationality, was identified in sector 108 of the stand, acting with contempt towards the player’s skin color. The defendant made racist gestures and shouts, generating feelings of frustration, shame, and humiliation in Williams. Due to the agreement, the Court issued a ruling without the need for further evidence, including the testimony of Iñaki Williams. Iñaki Williams stated he felt “humiliated” by the racist insults. The investigation began after a complaint from the National Football League, which was filed with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The Mossos d’Esquadra identified those responsible thanks to security cameras and information from RCD Espanyol.The RCD Espanyol supporter was the first football fan reported to the Prosecutor’s Office for hate crimes in a stadium.
Alofoke Deportes
