[Europe] Atletico Madrid fined over Sinama-Pongolle abuse
Thursday 8 May 2008
Atletico Madrid have been fined a reported 3,000 euros by the Spanish Football Federation after fans chanted racist abuse at Recreativo Huelva's French striker Florent Sinama Pongolle during their Primera Liga match at the Calderon last weekend.
Former Liverpool striker Sinama-Pongolle has said that the racist abuse he suffered from Atletico Madrid fans was upsetting and disappointing.
Sinama-Pongolle was playing for Recreativo Huelva at Atletico Madrid's Calderon stadium on Saturday when the abuse occurred.
"I just don't understand that there are still people that go to football matches to insult people of another race," he said after the match, which Recreativo lost 3-0.
"Atletico were rightful winners but I was upset by the racist abuse that you could hear from part of the crowd at the Calderon. It isn't right."
Referee Miguel Angel Perez Lasa noted the incident in his match report, saying the crowd had made monkey noises when the player came near the stands. He ordered the match delegate to issue a warning on the public address system and said the noises then stopped.
Atletico have received a number of fines because of similar incidents at the Calderon in recent seasons.
Racism remains a problem in Spanish football, with Albacete B's Belgian youth international Ritchie Kitoko reporting an incident of racist abuse from a rival player to the police at the end of last month.
Pride Park Ticket Giveaway
An event hosted by Derby's GAD Khalsa Sports will showcase some of the region's most promising Asian footballers at Derby's Pride Park Stadium this Monday.
And we've got 5 tickets to give away.
Events
30th May-1st June 2008
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Rashid Bhayat
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Rashid Bhayat, Coventry Positive Futures project