Athletic Bilbao vs Espanyol Match Abandoned Due to Racist Chanting

Athletic Bilbao were unable to secure a crucial victory to narrow the gap on the top two in La Liga, as they were held to a 1-1 draw against struggling Espanyol on Sunday. The match was marred by racist chanting directed towards Bilbao forward Maroan Sannadi, which led referee Cuadra Fernandez to activate the anti-racism protocol in the 16th minute. Sannadi's teammate Inaki Williams reported the insults, resulting in a three-minute interruption of the match as a message was broadcasted over the public address system urging fans to cease their derogatory behavior.

The referee warned that the next time the match would be stopped. 

"This type of thing shouldn't happen. This is not the first time this has happened here. The referee acted very well. We must punish the culprits," said Williams.

When the game restarted, Roberto Fernandez put Espanyol ahead in the 62nd minute but Oihan Sancet, who scored a hat-trick in the win over Girona last weekend, levelled 15 minutes later. 

It was hardly a satisfying result for either side. 

On Saturday, Bilbao saw leaders Real Madrid and second-placed Atletico Madrid both held to draws. 

Their own draw means they remain fourth, three points behind Barcelona, who host Rayo Vallecano on Monday and six behind Real. 

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Espanyol will rue the two dropped points but still climb out of the relegation zone. They are now 15th on 24 points, just one ahead of 18th-placed Valencia, the first team in the relegation places.

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)