More stories

  • in

    Newcastle hero Shaka Hislop reveals vile racist abuse left him ‘scared for his life’ before thugs asked for an AUTOGRAPH

    FORMER Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop revealed how vile racist abuse left him ‘scared for his life’ – before the thugs asked for an autograph.
    The former Newcastle star, 51, was targeted when filling up his car with petrol outside St James’ Park 25 years ago as teh Toon challenged for the title.

    Shaka Hislop opened up on the time he was racially abused filling his car up with petrolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    He felt ‘frozen with fear’ as the youths hurled the abuse at the 6ft 4ins stopper – and then they realised who he was.
    Hislop said: “When you are in front of it, you are scared, ­genuinely, for your life. No exaggeration.
    “It is such a ­shuddering experience.
    “Then, as they got closer, one recognised who I was, and they started singing my name and wanted ­autographs.”

    The incident had a lasting impact on Hislop, whose Toon side fell away in the second half of the season to miss out on the Premier League title.
    The ex-Reading, West Ham and Portsmouth man, who was born in Hackney, East London but played internationally for Trinidad and Tobago, explained how the experience drove him to join the fight to end racism.
    He has used his profile in football and spent the last 25 years playing his part in eradicating racism and teaching the next generation.
    Hislop partnered with Ged Grebby, now Show Racism The Red Card’s chief executive.

    The charity was set up in January 1996, a month after the petrol station incident, and has now reached one million children.
    The ex-Newcastle goalkeeper added: “I was a black footballer worthy of the most vile racist abuse from 50 yards away, but worthy of having my name sung from 50ft away.
    “I felt the need to do ­something. I understood how highly footballers were regarded about town and how that ­platform could be used to ­challenge the stereotypes and have a discussion about race.
    “It started with school visits. My team-mate John Beresford joined me, and we talked of our experiences and what we had learned ­sharing dressing rooms with people from all over the world.”

    When we got involved in this work, it’s a promise to our children to build a better world. I felt I had failed on my promise.
    Shaka Hislop

    Now living in the United States, Hislop works as a presenter for ESPN and continued: “I have gone through every emotion over the past year.
    “The George Floyd murder hung very heavily. When we got involved in this work, it’s a promise to our children to build a better world. I felt I had failed on my promise.
    “Recently my friend Leroy Rosenior said to me, ‘Shaka, you can’t feel it like that. See this as a relay. We’re ­running the third leg. It is up to us to deliver the baton to our kids in the best position, and give them the courage and confidence to run the final leg.’
    “That was empowering. It shed me of the guilt I was ­feeling. We went into Boston and joined a Black Lives Matter march.
    “You see the youth and diversity of the crowd, and the energy, and that is when I recognised what Leroy was saying.”

    Hislop is now living in the United States where he works as a presenter for ESPN

    Callum Hudson-Odoi calls for ‘massive change in football’ as Chelsea winger talks racism with Paul Canoville More

  • in

    Callum Hudson-Odoi calls for ‘massive change in football’ as Chelsea winger talks racism with Paul Canoville

    CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI called for ‘massive change in football’ in order to end racism in the sport.
    The Chelsea winger, 20, sat down with Paul Canoville, the Blues’ first black player, to discuss their own experiences.

    Callum Hudson-Odoi says big changes need to be made to eradicate racism in footballCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC

    The current Chelsea winger sat down with former Chelsea winger Paul Canoville to share their experiences Credit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC

    And the youngster says it is time to start seeing decisions made to eradicate the vile abuse – in stadiums, in public and on social media.
    In the conversation, supported by Beats by Dr Dre’s You Love Me campaign celebrating black culture and resilience, Hudson-Odoi said: “There’s got to be a massive change.
    “We keep saying it day in day out, we’ve got to change something in football because you don’t want to feel that kind of way about anything.
    “Whether it’s in the stadium and you’re hearing racist abuse, or you’re on social media and you’re seeing racial abuse – you shouldn’t be hearing that at all.

    “Our skin colour should never affect football. I love my colour, I love being black.”
    On dealing with racists, he added: “You want to look at them and give them a reaction.
    “But sometimes you giving them a reaction makes them feel like, ‘We want to do more – we want to carry on doing it to you because you’re giving us what we want. You’re giving us that reaction that we’re winning.’”
    Hudson-Odoi was racially abused on his first senior start for England in Montenegro last year.

    Canoville was the first black player to play for the Blues, spending five years at the club in the early 1980sCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC

    Home supporters directed a number of monkey chants at him and his team-mates including Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose.
    But he praised trailblazers such as Canoville for the work they have done to help break down barriers in society.
    The academy graduate said: “I really appreciate the way you handled your situation.
    “You made a big statement for everyone to understand that black players can come through, make a name for themselves and be proud of their skin colour.”
    Canoville, 58, made his Blues debut in April 1982 but was not accepted by many of the Stamford Bridge supporters simply because he was black.
    And the fan base have been involved in high-profile incidents more recently involving Sterling, Mo Salah and a black commuter on the Paris Metro.
    In July, so-called Chelsea supporters then targeted Tammy Abraham after defeat to Sheffield United despite the ongoing support for the Black Lives Matter movement from football.
    Canoville told Hudson-Odoi about his experiences when he got his first run-out for the club: “That day was a surprise that shocked me and knocked me for six.

    Canoville opened up on the abuse he suffered from his own supportersCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty

    Hudson-Odoi was targeted by racists during England’s game in Montenegro last yearCredit: AP:Associated Press
    “As a young black lad who was warming up after being given the nod from his manager and thinking, ‘Yeah I’m ready, I’m going to strip off,’ and then I hear this racist abuse.
    “It does affect you because I went home after thinking, ‘What did I do wrong? What can I do better?’
    “For me, it’s what my parents went through. I was proud to be black. It was so difficult when they came over on the Windrush that my mum wanted to better herself and found it difficult.
    “This [colour of my skin] shouldn’t have to get in the way. I just don’t understand it and that still continues to this very day.”
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

    Callum Hudson-Odoi shows off skills as he trains with Chelsea More

  • in

    Afghan-born Maziar Kouhyar reveals he was called ‘terrorist’ by Walsall team-mate sparking huge training-ground bust-up

    MAZIAR KOUHYAR has recalled the moment one of his Walsall team-mates called him a ‘terrorist’.
    The 23-year-old moved to Birmingham with his family from Afghanistan in 1998 and became the first Afghan-born footballer to play in England’s top four divisions.

    The midfielder racked up 32 appearances for Walsall between 2016 and 2019Credit: PA:Press Association

    Kouhyar signed for Walsall in 2016 – but is currently on the lookout for a new club.
    The midfielder has finally lifted the lid on the racial abuse he received while playing for the League Two side.
    He has claimed that he did not speak out before as he did not want to cause any ‘trouble’.

    As cited by the MailOnline, he said: “We were just training and one of the lads said something to me about being a terrorist.
    “I laughed it off, but he said it again. When he said it again, I commented back something like ‘you’re forcing the laughter now’ or ‘you’ve already tried once, don’t try it again’ – just something to make people laugh at him.
    “He didn’t like that. We started pushing each other and the players split us up.
    “A member of staff was there while all this happened, and heard it all and saw it all.

    “So I expected I’d get called into the office maybe after training to see if I was alright, maybe the player would have some sanctions, but it never got mentioned again.

    “I didn’t want to bring anything up. I was trying to get into the first team and get more minutes, so I didn’t want to cause any bad blood, any trouble that would stop me from playing, so I didn’t mention anything either, even though it was hurtful to me.
    “Calling me a terrorist was hurtful to me – my family fled from Afghanistan because of terrorists. Calling me that is a bit close to home.”
    Kouhyar also recalled an incident that happened on the team bus in Luton.
    He added: “We’d go on the bus to Luton, which has got a large Asian community.
    “They (his team-mates) would see an Asian family outside the bus and say ‘ah, look, there’s your auntie’. It’s on a coach so it’s in front of everyone.
    “You have to take it on the chin. You don’t want to be the awkward one who can’t take a joke, which was how it got perceived back then.
    “Now, with the Black Lives Matter movement pushing forward that kind of banter wouldn’t happen any more, people understand the implications of it. Back then, they just saw it as a joke, so I had to see it as a joke.

    Maziar Kouhyar signed for Walsall in 2016
    “I’ve never thought to speak out because I’ve always thought in my head ‘you’re going to be labelled a troublemaker’, but now seeing people like Raheem Sterling speak out about it, it’s given me the confidence to say, ‘if you’ve got a voice, you should tell your story’.”
    However, Kouhyar puts no blame on Walsall as a club.
    He said: “It is nothing against Walsall – it’s just the whole football culture.
    “I had so many good friends at the club, but these things do happen all over football and we need to tackle them.”
    A statement from Walsall read: “As a club we have always prided ourselves on being all inclusive.
    “Should Maz have raised any of his concerns at the time with the hierarchy here at the club, they would have been taken very seriously and dealt with swiftly.
    “We have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind and would not condone any such behaviour.
    “Even though he has now left the club we would of course like to deal with his concerns if he is able to provide specific detail.
    “He was a valuable member of the club from the age 15 where he progressed through the youth ranks to earn a professional contract before sadly rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in April 2019.
    “Despite being out of contract in June, Maz completed his rehabilitation with the club before we parted ways in January 2020.

    Maziar Kouhyar has been inspired to speak out by the likes of Raheem SterlingCredit: AFP or Licensors
    “Maz is one of a number of British Asian players who have followed a similar path with Walsall FC in recent years such as Netan Sansara, Malvind Benning and Jordon Sangha.”
    He racked up 32 appearances for Walsall between 2016 and 2019, but has since been released.
    Kouhyar now works as a car salesman for Toyota while he searches for his next club.

    FA Chairman Greg Clarke apologises for ‘coloured’ comment More

  • in

    Krasnodar players blasted as only FOUR take knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Chelsea clash

    KRASNODAR have been blasted after just four players took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before their Champions League clash against Chelsea.
    Some viewers were left outraged as the Blues knelt in solidarity with BLM before kick-off in south-west Russia – but the majority of their opponents failed to follow suit.

    Only four Krasnodar players took a knee before their Champions League game with ChelseaCredit: AFP

    Outraged viewers took to Twitter to express their disgust

    Just four Krasnodar men copied Chelsea’s example at the start of the game.
    Triggered by the death of George Floyd in May, the gesture has been seen as a symbol in the global fight against racism.
    And some took to Twitter to express their disgust at the majority of the Krasnodar team’s behaviour.

    One wrote: “Wow. Watching the game and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar stood.

    “Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.”
    Another said: “So at least half of the Krasnodar team didn’t take the knee for BLM.
    “Why does that not surprise me, from a Russian team?”
    One tweeted: “Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee.”

    Another added: “Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee?
    “Keep the camera on them and shame them.”
    The game itself had plenty twists and turns, with Jorginho missing a first-half penalty for the visitors.
    But Chelsea took the lead before the break thanks to a strike from winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
    The Blues went on to win 4-0 with Timo Werner scoring from the spot, Hakim Ziyech scoring on his first start and Christian Pulisic grabbing a late goal.

    Wow. Watching the UEFA champions league game between Chelsea and Krasnodar in Russia and they took a knee for the end racism campaign and more than half of Krasnodar team stood. Just crazy how open racism still is in so many parts of the world.
    — Mark Genthner (@MarkGenthner) October 28, 2020

    Really want Krasnodar to get smoked now after that refusal to take a knee
    — Touchy Gooners (@TouchyGooners) October 28, 2020

    Hey @btsport, why are you cutting away from the Krasnodar players not taking the knee? Keep the camera on them and shame them #BLM
    — Alex Hopkins (@alhop10) October 28, 2020

    Man City’s game against Marseille was also overshadowed the previous evening after the French side stood instead of taking the knee.
    According to reports in France, Marseille gathered round the centre circle to hold a minute’s silence for Samuel Paty – a teacher who was murdered in a terrorist attack last week.
    But some were left furious with them for not taking a knee in support of BLM.

    Schwarzer says that Petr Cech could quit Chelsea technical role and return to playing at another club if right offer made More

  • in

    Marseille players blasted for not taking knee in support of Black Lives Matter before Man City clash

    MARSEILLE have been blasted for not taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement before their Champions League clash against Manchester City.
    As the Citizens starting XI took the knee after referee Tobias Stieler blew the whistle to start the game, the Ligue 1 side stood around the centre circle.

    Ligue 1 side Marseille didn’t take the knee ahead of their encounter against Manchester City

    Players, coaches and other staff members have all been taking the knee in England to show their support in the fight against racism.
    Triggered by the death of George Floyd in May, the gesture has been seen as a symbol in the global fight against racism.
    However, French teams have not adopted the pre-match ritual.
    According to reports in France, Marseille gathered round the centre circle to hold a minute’s silence for Samuel Paty – a teacher who was murdered in a terrorist attack last week.

    Marseille’s Twitter account suggested the players showed their support through “unity and respect”.

    Olympique de Marseille is the club of anti-racism.The OM players join the approach of the Manchester City players, demonstrating unity and respect for this fight. pic.twitter.com/LHGteYOcho
    — Olympique de Marseille 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 (@OM_English) October 27, 2020

    However, some fans were left furious with Andre Villas-Boas’ side for not taking a knee in support towards the Black Lives Matter movement.
    One fan tweeted: “Marseille players refused to take a knee in tonight’s game vs Man City. Absolutely disgraceful.”
    Another commented: “Marseille refuse to take the knee. Poor show!”

    A third added: “Marseille should be ashamed for not taking the knee.”

    Meanwhile one stated: “F*** Marseille not taking the knee.”
    Manchester City emerged as 3-0 victors away at Marseille to make it two wins out of two in Group C.
    Summer signing Ferran Torres opened the scoring in the 18th minute, with Ilkay Gundogan and Raheem Sterling finding the back of the net late on.

    Bayern Munich physio slips and falls over during Champions League tie with Locomotiv Moscow More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton hopes to equal Michael Schumacher’s F1 record – to give him platform to fight against racism

    LEWIS HAMILTON has the chance to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 victories in F1 this weekend – not that he’s shouting about it.
    In fact, the six-time world champion – who can also win a Schumacher-equalling seventh title this season – seems more focused on his personal crusades against racism and climate change.

    3

    Lewis Hamilton has helped make the fight against racism a central issue for Formula OneCredit: Reuters

    3

    Displays, such as one calling for justice for the police-killed African-American woman Breonna Taylor, have been frequentCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Now 35, Hamilton is more mature than when he won his first title in 2008 and intent on using his social media platforms to educate his 26 million followers on Twitter and Instagram.
    He said: “I’ve never been a record person but of course when my name is mentioned in the same context as someone I grew up watching, then it’s like ‘woah’.
    “I have to step back for a second and realise what that actually means. 

    “I think that embarking on these records and achievements creates a platform on which to be able to speak about things that could potentially change peoples lives; for everyone’s children to grow up in a better world.

    “As I get older, and understand the world more – as well as the impact that us humans are having on the world.
    “I’m really getting into technology that is sustainable; changing things in my life so I can have a more positive impact.
    “Trying to think of the bigger picture – we are trying to continue to fight to end racism, and discrimination.
    “This is a constant battle that people have been fighting for hundreds of years. It’s a constant battle now.

    “Being a Formula One driver gives me a voice to amplify to push for positive changes in the world – even far away from racing.
    “Take the current work put into diversity in F1 – it’s something nobody has spoken up about before to this extent.
    “As I get older I realise that my purpose is to continue to do that. Racing and winning and breaking records continues to give me the chance to speak up about these things and push for real change.”
    Hamilton’s record, particularly in the turbo hybrid era, which started in 2014, a year after he joined Mercedes from McLaren, is hugely impressive.

    Fans turn on the TV and see you doing your thing for three days, and think that’s all there is to it.
    Lewis Hamilton

    At the Silver Arrows, he has constantly delivered weekend after weekend and has amassed a total of 90 wins, 96 poles, 159 podiums in just 260 races.
    The accusation is that he is only winning because he is driving the best car, but the best drivers always drive the best cars.
    The reality is he is making it look easy, even if it isn’t.
    In an interview with Monster Energy, he added: “I think people underestimated the time it takes to get to a Grand Prix fully prepared and deliver every time.

    3

    Michael Schumacher’s race wins and world titles record are on the verge of being matched by HamiltonCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Gossip

    DOR CLOSED
    Man Utd’s approach ‘baffled’ Dortmund after £1m deadline day bid to sign Schulz

    Pictured

    GUEZ WHO?
    Rodriguez’s girlfriend Shannon isn’t missing Merseyside as she sunbathes in Spain

    Revealed

    BOX SETS
    Sky and BT announce 15 PPV games at £14.95 each, including Man Utd vs Newcastle

    Latest

    NOT APPY
    Fans can watch every Prem game on PPV Box Office apps – but it’ll cost £15 A MATCH

    Exclusive

    HE’S DE MAN
    De Bruyne set to sign two-year £300k-a-week Man City contract after CL U-turn

    Revealed

    LEIC IS MORE
    Leicester ALONE in voting against Prem PPV as Man Utd opposition claims denied

    “Fans turn on the TV and see you doing your thing for three days, and think that’s all there is to it. But it takes time, intense work and preparation and studying.
    “Not to mention the physical and welfare effort for drivers to be in the right state to race.
    “There’s a lot more to it than you’d first think. It’s great because now the ability to communicate directly with fans and show them behind the scenes more is helping to change that.”

    Lewis Hamilton talks to The Sun about his ‘sporting icon’ Muhammed Ali, Black History Month and how sport is tackling racism in 2020 More

  • in

    Seb Coe will back any athlete that takes a knee at Tokyo Olympics in support of Black Lives Matter movement

    SEB COE would support any athlete who takes a knee on the Tokyo Olympics podium.
    Pressure is mounting on the IOC to change its Rule 50 which prohibits any form of demonstration at the Games.

    2

    Seb Coe is the highest-profile sports figure to call on the IOC to change its no-protest ruleCredit: Rex Features

    It is thought many stars might use the global platform to promote the Black Lives Matter movement next summer.
    Global Athlete and the BOA’s Athletes’ Commission have also called on Olympics chiefs to allow human-rights activism next year.
    And now Coe, in his capacity as the World Athletics president, has backed anybody thinking of protesting.
    Speaking on a trip to the Japanese capital and inspection of the Olympic national stadium, Coe said:

    “I’ve been very clear, if an athlete wishes to take a knee on a podium, then I am supportive of that.
    “Athletes are a part of the world and they want to reflect the world they live in. For me, that is perfectly acceptable.”
    Coe, who only became an IOC member in July, is the highest-profile administrator to demand a change.
    His big pal, Daley Thompson, told SunSport in June that British athletes should be allowed to take a knee against racism in Tokyo.

    2

    Colin Kaepernick, formerly of San Francisco 49ers, took a knee in 2016 to protest against police brutality and racial inequalityCredit: AP:Associated Press

    Latest

    NOT APPY
    Fans can watch every Prem game on PPV Box Office apps – but it’ll cost £15 A MATCH

    Exclusive

    APPY DAYS
    Prem agree to show every single match – but only on Sky & BT apps and NOT on TV

    HOME IMPROVEMENT
    Ronaldo’s homes through the years, from humble Madeira home to Turin villa

    WHAT’S THE ISH?
    Aston Villa fans accuse Gareth Southgate of ‘agenda’ against Jack Grealish

    ON THE MENDY
    Chelsea’s Eduoard Mendy INJURED on Senegal duty with Kepa in line for recall

    RON RAID HORROR
    Cristiano Ronaldo hell as thief raided mansion ‘with mum & brother inside’

    Two-time Olympic heptathlon champ Thompson, 62, said: “Some athletes will clearly feel strongly enough to want to take a knee.
    “There should be, whether it’s on the podium or not, a forum for them to stand up and be counted if they want to.
    “At the same time, if people don’t want to, because they’re more interested in getting on with what they want to do, then there are entitled to do that, too.
    “It’s an important cause. All lives matter. Nobody, whether you’re white, black, any nationality, you don’t deserve to be killed for the colour of your skin or for simple prejudice.
    “I think the IOC will try and curry favour with sponsors and allow the athletes some degree of choice in the matter.”

    Former Olympic gold winning gymnast, 37, vanishes after rumours she has had twins with Vladimir Putin More

  • in

    Lewis Hamilton’s Breonna Taylor and Black Lives Matter stance slammed as ‘too much’ by ex-F1 rival Vitaly Petrov

    LEWIS HAMILTON’S support of Breonna Taylor and his stance on Black Lives Matter has been slammed as “too much” by a former Formula One rival.
    Russian Vitaly Petrov hit out at the British star in an outspoken interview – before insisting racism doesn’t exist in his home country.

    2

    Lewis Hamilton has been hailed by many for his commitment to battling racial injustice but was criticised by Vitaly PetrovCredit: Rex Features

    Earlier in September the reigning world champion unveiled a top supporting Taylor after winning the Tuscan Grand Prix.
    The t-shirt read: “Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor,” while a photo of her and the words “say her name” was across the back.
    Medic Breonna Taylor was shot dead by American police in her Kentucky apartment in March.
    F1’s governing body, the FIA, will not punish Hamilton amid critics’ claims that it was a political message – which are banned from the sport.

    But Petrov, who had three years in F1 from 2010 to 2012, reckons Hamilton’s move went too far.
    He told Championat: “For me, this T-shirt, on top of calling for everyone to kneel, was too much.
    “It is a personal matter for every adult. You have the right to speak out on social media or give interviews, but I think the US government is well aware of these problems already.
    “But to call on that in Formula One itself… I think half of the spectators didn’t even know what the shirt was about until it was explained to them.

    2

    The Russian hit out at Hamilton and labelled his action as ‘too much’ before denying racism is a problem in his country

    LEW THE MAN
    Hamilton named in TIME’s 100 most influential people in latest superstar nod

    Pictured

    INCREDIBLE HULK
    Formula 1 star Nico Hulkenberg gets engaged to girlfriend on trip to Venice

    KIM TEASE
    Raikkonen mocks Hamilton with ‘evolution of a F1 driver’ post and throwback snap

    HIDDEN GEM
    ‘Despicable, horrible’ Schumacher was just ‘misunderstood’ says ex-Ferrari chief

    NO CHARGE
    Lewis Hamilton WON’T be punished for ‘arrest cops who killed Breonna Taylor’ top

    “And let’s say a driver admits to being gay – will they come out with a rainbow flag and urge everyone to become gay as well? I think the FIA will no longer allow such behaviours.”
    Hamilton, 35, has led F1’s fight against racism this year and has received plenty of plaudits for his determination to see change in society.
    He wears a Black Lives Matter T-shirt and takes a knee before each race and encourages his fellow drivers to join him – although he encountered resistance from a minority.
    Despite some opposition, the Stevenage star insisted he “won’t give up” in his campaign for justice.

    In Russia we do not have the problems that Hamilton is talking about
    Vitaly Petrov

    Hamilton wrote online: “I want you to know that I won’t stop, I won’t let up, I won’t give up on using this platform to shed light on what I believe is right.
    “This is a journey for all of us to come together and challenge the world on every level of injustice, not only racial.”
    But TIME magazine named Hamilton in their top 100 most influential people list, hailing his work.
    Petrov, though, added that Russians only kneel “before God and to propose to your future wife”.
    Denying his nation’s troubles with racism, he added: “In Russia we have a different mentality, and we do not have the problems that Hamilton is talking about. There should be respect for everyone.”

    The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt

    Lewis Hamilton wears t-shirt demanding justice for Breonna Taylor on the podium after winning the Tuscan F1 GP More