World Events

Stars

China

Basketball

Soccer

Tennis

N.America

Olympics

Eto'o racism mars victory

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-03 10:14

MADRID: Barcelona reached the summit of the Spanish first division on Saturday but their 4-1 win at Malaga was marred by racism directed at their Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.

African forward Eto'o was subjected to monkey chants by the home fans at the La Rosaleda before being booed when he was substituted late on as racism reared its ugly head once again.

Eto'o, 27, has become a major figure in football's bid to kick racism out of the game after being on the receiving end of similar remarks in the past.

In February 2006, he had wanted to leave the pitch in a 2-0 victory against Real Zaragoza after being forced to listen to monkey cries and dodge peanuts thrown at him. Then coach Frank Rijkaard persuaded him to go on and Zaragoza were fined 9,000 euros ($11,400).

The Eto'o incidents come just after a Spanish website targeted McLaren Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton with racist abuse.

Eto'o was not on the scoresheet in Barca's 4-1 win with Spain's Euro 2008 hero Xavi Hernandez and a sixth goal of the season from Argentine Lionel Messi sealing the points on a rain-soaked pitch.

"You couldn't really play on a pitch in this condition," said Barca coach Pep Guardiola. "It was a game of trying not to make mistakes.

"Malaga had won four matches in a row and that is no easy feat. I am happy with the win against a physical team that can hurt you on the counter attack."

AFP