RACISM ROWS RUMBLE ON
From the Sun:
Real Madrid are expected to find out today if they face UEFA action for racism in the Bernabeu. TV cameras captured swastika and Hitler-tattooed thugs making Nazi salutes during Tuesday’s Champions League 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
Real Madrid are expected to find out today if they face UEFA action for racism in the Bernabeu. TV cameras captured swastika and Hitler-tattooed thugs making Nazi salutes during Tuesday’s Champions League 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.
The German club’s Brazilian defenders Roque Junior and Juan were also targeted with vile monkey chants by Real’s ultras.
Real last night claimed they were “unaware” of racist incidents. But unused sub Michael Owen admitted he heard it for the second time in a week following the abuse of England’s black players in last Wednesday’s friendly with Spain.
Striker Owen, 24, said: “It’s a bit disappointing to hear that. We’ve done really well in England to stamp it out but there are pockets in Europe that can’t.”
UEFA will study reports from the referee and look at video evidence. If found guilty, Real could be fined or forced to play behind closed doors.
Meanwhile:
SPAIN boss Luis Aragones faces disciplinary action after being ordered to explain his comments about Britain's colonial past before last week's friendly against England.
The match was overshadowed by racist abuse directed at Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole which Aragones refused to condemn.
Spain's Anti-Violence Commission demanded an explanation yesterday. After meeting Aragones, Commission president Rafael Blanco said: "Aragones' remarks were inappropriate. However the problem cannot be centred on those remarks.
"The blame for racism in football is not down to the coach it is a question of greater depth."
The match was overshadowed by racist abuse directed at Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole which Aragones refused to condemn.
Spain's Anti-Violence Commission demanded an explanation yesterday. After meeting Aragones, Commission president Rafael Blanco said: "Aragones' remarks were inappropriate. However the problem cannot be centred on those remarks.
"The blame for racism in football is not down to the coach it is a question of greater depth."
Back over here the inbred nugget who abused Dwight Yorke has been slapped with a £1000 fine and 5 year ban. Elsewhere, bears in woods deny being Catholic. Or something like that:
Rangers chairman David Murray last night hit back at Celtic boss Martin O'Neill's claims that Ibrox fans are racist and reminded officials at both clubs of their "responsibility in ensuring safety and fair play".
O'Neill made the allegation following a stormy Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Saturday, won 2-0 by Rangers.
O'Neill said Neil Lennon had been "verbally abused in a racial and sectarian manner" throughout the game by Rangers fans.
But Murray issued a statement yesterday which said: "It is correct the SFA will analyse in detail events both on and off the pitch.
"But we should, without doubt, guard against broad generalisations by individuals that endeavour to blacken the name of Rangers FC and stereotype our fans as racist bigots. This is not acceptable."
MANSFIELD are facing an FA enquiry into allegations that their fans racially abused Boston players and their own caretaker manager Carlton Palmer last weekend.