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Madrid, Spain
La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have been hit with partial stand closure in their next two home games after being found guilty of failing to control the fans in racial abuse of Nico Williams. According to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) statement, Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium will have its South Stand closed for the next two matches. The incident happened in the 36th minute of a La Liga match between Atletico Madrid and Athletic Club on Saturday.
Atletico Madrid hit with stand closure
"(Atletico have been issued) a sanction of partial closure of their sports venue for a period of two matches and a financial penalty of 20,000 euros ($21,350)," said the federation's competition committee in a statement.
Stand closure is the first step of action taken against Atletico Madrid in controlling the abuse issue. Referee Juan Martinez Munuera stopped the match in the 36th minute as per the protocol of La Liga. Alongside the ban, the club has also been fined $21,360 and will have 10 days to appeal the decision. The RFEF said in a statement on Tuesday that the closed area in the stands must display a visible message condemning violent, racist, xenophobic and intolerant acts in football and supporting fair play.
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This is not the first time racial abuse has taken place in the Spanish top flight with Getafe also hit with partial stand closure. Getafe were punished after their fans targeted Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores and player Marcos Acuna in a La Liga game. The stands were closed for three matches following racist and xenophobic abuse.
Over the last two seasons, 16 different incidents of racial abuse have taken place on Real Madrid winger Vinicus Jr. The Spanish authorities have held an independent investigation into the matter and will strict actions against those found guilty.
Atletico Madrid’s next home match will be against Celta Vigo and will complete the ban on the penultimate weekend of the season against Osasuna.