Incidents of alleged racism in Spain, England and Scotland at the weekend highlighted the inability of men’s football to deal with the recurring problem, which Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde puts down to “a question of general manners.”

Sunday’s La Liga match between Espanyol and Bilbao was stopped in the first half after visiting forward Inaki Williams informed the referee that team-mate Maroan Sannadi was being racially abused by a pocket of Espanyol fans.

As per protocol, the game was suspended and the public address system told fans the game would be abandoned if the abuse carried on. A message was also displayed on the Espanyol stadium big screen.

The match resumed and ended 1-1.

Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde told reporters: “It’s a situation that unfortunately happens in more places, we don’t like it to happen at any stadium. It’s a question of general manners and it’s something that we have to work on.”

Barcelona-based Espanyol hinted at Spain’s continuing problem with an X post which read: “Once again, Espanyol categorically condemn any display of racism at football grounds.”

Spanish authorities have cracked down of late. Three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in jail last year for racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior among others being punished.

In the English lower leagues, Burton Albion defender Udoka Godwin-Malife allegedly suffered racist abuse from the stands in the 3-1 defeat by Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

A Rovers supporter was ordered to leave the ground and police are appealing for witnesses.

On the pitch, Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri accused Preston forward Milutin Osmajic of making a racist remark during a 0-0 draw in Saturday’s English second tier.

Preston denied the allegation but Britain’s PA news agency on Monday said the FA was investigating.

A fan of Scottish top-flight club St Johnstone is also alleged to have used racist abuse during Saturday’s game at Kilmarnock.

A St Johnstone statement on Monday said: “We are aware of an allegation of racist abuse in the away end during Saturday’s game at Rugby Park.

“We are working closely with Kilmarnock Football Club and Police Scotland to fully investigate. Any supporter with further information is asked to contact the club.

“We are a proud family club and reiterate that there is no place for discrimination in our game or anywhere in society.”