Racism shown the red card

Pahang to complain to parent body over remarks hurled at Jamaican defender

Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 13:30

by Tony Mariadass

Location: 

PETALING JAYA

COOL UNDER PRESSURE: Stewart (front) stayed composed while under pressure from insults of opposing players — Pic: SHAHIR OMAR

IT has been almost unheard of before but racism is sadly rearing its ugly head in the MLeague amidst claims that a Pahang footballer was taunted by players from an opposing team.
Pahang FA is expected to report to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) today over alleged racist remarks hurled at their Jamaican defender Damion Stewart by Johor Darul Takzim’s Pablo Aimar and Luciano Figueroa in a Super League match at the Darulmakmur Stadium last Saturday.
It is believed this is the first time such a report has been lodged in the history of Malaysian football.
It is understood that Stewart was harassed throughout the match and his Pakistan teammate Zesh Rehman will be the key witness in the report to be submitted today.
The source said it was fortunate Stewart kept his cool and did not react angrily during the match, despite being constantly heckled by both the former Argentinean internationals.
However, after the match, Damion attempted to confront Aimar and Figuero but was restrained by team officials who asked him to head straight for the dressing room instead.

“The good name of the sport lies tarnished with such degrading remarks. Sport is meant to be clean, fair and above all enjoyable,” said the source.
“Pahang FA views the incident seriously and will ensure the ugly episode will not be swept under the carpet. We also hope FAM will view the matter seriously enough to deter a repeat of similar incidents in the future.”
Last July saw the visiting Chelsea FC complain to FAM after their Israeli forward Yossi Benayoun was taunted by fans during a friendly match against the national team at Bukit Jalil.
FAM, had then in a statement, said: "... if such an incident did happen, we apologise to the player and also to Chelsea FC."
Chelsea sportingly responded by saying: "We regard the matter closed".
Benayoun is one of few Israelis to have played here despite the country not having diplomatic relations with the East Mediterranean nation.
FAM's disciplinary code states a player will be suspended for four matches and fined RM2,000 for the first offence and suspended six matches with a RM3,000 fine for a second offence if they are found guilty of physical contact with intent to hurt or using foul, abusive or insulting words — among others — to another.

Incidents of racism involving stars
RACISM in football has hogged the limelight across the globe. Even big stars including the likes of AC Milan's Mario Balotelli, England international Ashley Young and Manchester City's Yaya Toure have been subjected to degrading taunts by fans and fellow players.
Here is a list of recent incidents that have marred the beautiful game.