x

Skippers on Sartid Racism - Ipswich Town News

Town captain Matt Holland has commented on the racist abuse aimed at Town's black players during Thursday's UEFA Cup match with FK Sartid. The Sartid captain Goran Bogdanovic has also had his say.

Holland wrote in his Independent column (http://sport.independent.co.uk/football/comment/story.jsp?story=339937): "It was embarrassing to be on the pitch as Finidi George, Marcus Bent and Jermaine Wright were subjected to monkey chants whenever they went near the touchline or received the ball. It was distasteful, wholly objectionable and desperately needs to be sorted out by UEFA.

"They must ban supporters, if indeed they are supporters, who spit and throw coins at players. I thought our players were dignified in their response, which must have been difficult for them. Bent made his feelings known to the referee at half-time but he, like us, was powerless to stop the mindless buffoons.

"Ironically Bent had his best game of the season, getting pushed over in the penalty area and scoring the ensuing spot-kick that put us through. Justice, I'd say, but not a pleasant experience.

"The targeted players were definitely upset, as I am sure I would be if I were the recipient."

The Town skipper says that English players are not used to that sort of treatment these days: "I think it was such a shock to all of us because it is a rarity in English football now. I cannot remember a match where players have been abused because of their race, and if it has happened it has not been dominant enough to be obvious. The Serbian crowd, however, could be heard from all round the ground and pitch.

"What is worrying is that this is not an isolated incident. Thierry Henry of Arsenal, Andy Cole of Blackburn, Liverpool's Emile Heskey and numerous others have complained, and although I don't want to label an area because of a few, it does appear that the Eastern European countries have a problem."

However, Sartid captain Goran Bogdanovic denied that his side's fans are prejudiced: "The fans are not racist. We Serbs never had problems with someone's colour of skin."

Earlier, Sartid's press officer Radoje Glisic also denied any wrong-doing by their supporters.

UEFA are set to meet to discuss the game next week, while the FA are keen to discuss the recent spate of similar incidents.

What to read next:

Town Reject Coventry Woolfenden Approach
Town have rejected a Coventry City approach for central defender Luke Woolfenden.
Newcastle Rebuff Town Loan Approach
Newcastle United have rebuffed a loan approach from the Blues for midfielder Lewis Miley.
Davis: I'm Feeling Good
Leif Davis is currently the only fit left-back at the club, but the Town defender has declared he is feeling good physically after the opening three matches of the season.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Youngsters Draw Hadleigh in Premier Cup
Town’s youngsters have drawn Hadleigh United in round one of the Endeavour Automotive Suffolk Premier Cup.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Ipswich Town 1-1 Southampton - Highlights
Highlights of this afternoon’s 1-1 draw with Southampton at Portman Road.
Still: Four Months Ago We Probably Would Have Crumbled
Southampton manager Will Still felt his side’s 1-1 draw with Town at Portman Road was the type of match in which the Saints would have crumbled last season.
Davis: There's a Still a Lot More to Come
Town defender Leif Davis insists there is still a lot more to come from the Blues following the 1-1 draw with fellow promotion hopefuls Southampton at Portman Road.
McKenna: Performance a Step Up From Last Week
Town manager Kieran McKenna felt the Blues’ performance in their 1-1 home draw with Southampton was a step forward from their display in their opening match at Birmingham City nine days ago.