Athletic Bilbao missed an opportunity to close the gap on La Liga’s top two after being held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Espanyol on Sunday.
The match in Cornella was briefly halted due to racist chants directed at Bilbao winger Iñaki Williams.
In the 16th minute, referee Cuadra Fernández activated the anti-racism protocol in response to offensive remarks aimed at Williams.
The game was paused for three minutes, during which a stadium announcement urged fans to cease the abusive behaviour.
The referee also warned that a repeat offense would lead to another stoppage.
After play resumed, Espanyol took the lead in the 62nd minute through Roberto Fernández.
However, Bilbao responded 15 minutes later when Oihan Sancet, fresh off a hat-trick in last weekend’s win over Girona, found the equalizer.
Neither side will be satisfied with the outcome. Bilbao had watched Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid drop points on Saturday but failed to capitalize, leaving them fourth in the standings.
They remain three points behind Barcelona, who host Rayo Vallecano on Monday, and six adrift of league leaders Madrid.
Espanyol, meanwhile, will see the draw as a missed chance but still managed to climb out of the relegation zone.
Now sitting 15th with 24 points, they are just one point clear of 18th-placed Valencia, who occupy the first relegation spot.
