ATLETICO MADRID win over Athletic Bilbao was marred on Saturday evening after Nico Williams reported being racially abused by a section of home fans at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitan.

The contest, which Atleti won 3-1 to go six points clear of fifth-placed Bilbao, was briefly halted after Williams drew attention to racist noises.

Rodrigo Paul had put Atletico ahead after a quarter of an hour but Williams equalised on the stroke of half time at the same end where the abuse occurred and he celebrated by pointing to his arm.

The Spain winger asked referee Juan Martinez to stop the match and the game was paused to make an announcement, with  Atletico players Antoine Griezmann and Jose Maria Gimenez urging fans to stop the chanting before play resumed.

Williams said: “I have gone to take a corner and I have heard monkey sounds.

“There are stupid people everywhere, but nothing happens. We have to keep working.

“I hope this changes little by little, because in the end we are fighting internally and externally against this.”

At half time, the Madrid club said on Twitter they are “against any act of racism or hatred.”

A goal from Angel Correa and Unai Simon’s own goal made sure of victory for the hosts.

A Liga statement said: “There’s no place for racist or hateful behaviour in sport. La Liga vehemently condemns any racist acts and will continue working to eradicate this inexcusable behaviour from our sport.”