A LaLiga match between Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao was briefly halted on Sunday afternoon after an Athletic player was allegedly subjected to racist abuse by fans.

Athletic Bilbao's LaLiga game at Espanyol was temporarily halted after visiting striker Inaki Williams reported alleged racist abuse towards teammate Maroan Sannadi in Sunday's 1-1 draw.

In the 16th minute, referee Cuadra Fernandez was forced to activate the anti-racism protocol for insults to Bilbao forward Maroan Sannadi and reported by his teammate Inaki Williams.

Athletic Bilbao missed out on the chance to close the gap on the top two in LaLiga as they were held to a 1-1 draw at struggling Espanyol on Sunday in a match that was temporarily stopped because of racist chanting.