Brainy Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 Formula One star Lewis Hamilton says he has been left saddened after being subjected to racist abuse in Spain. The 23-year-old Briton was taunted by spectators during pre-season testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. "The truth is I feel somewhat sad," he said. "I love this country, especially the city of Barcelona. The people in Spain have always been very warm." The McLaren driver has become a hate figure in Spain because of his rivalry with former team-mate Fernando Alonso. The former world champion complained last season that McLaren were favouring Hamilton and fell out with the Mercedes-powered team when they refused to grant him special status. He now drives for Renault. The Briton, who eventually finished second to Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen in the title race, said he hoped Spanish fans of F1 would understand his rivalry with the favourite. "The only thing that I have done is to try to give the best of myself and try to win the championship," he told sportlifepress.com. "At no point have I tried to deliberately prejudice Fernando but the fight has been very tough and my image in Spain has been severely damaged." The International Automobile Federation (FIA) says Spanish circuits risk punishment as a result of the incident. "We are surprised and disappointed at the abuse," stated an FIA spokesman. "This is a clear breach of FIA principles and any repetition will result in serious sanctions." Reports in a number of Spanish papers said Hamilton was booed and insulted whenever he made his way from the team motor home and into the pits on Saturday for pre-season testing at the Barcelona circuit. "It is not right the way he is being treated," McLaren test team manager Indy Lall was quoted as saying. BBC Radio 5 Live's Formula One commentator David Croft explained that some of those present to watch the testing had gone to great lengths to upset the British driver. "There were about 55,000 fans present over the three days of testing," said Croft. "(Some) were chanting nasty stuff and booing him when he made his way from the garage to the McLaren area at the back. We've never seen that at Formula One events. "The officials at the circuit drafted in extra security guards to the stands and put some fences around the team area." Spain will host two Grands Prix this year, the Spanish race in April at Circuit de Catalunya and the European Grand Prix on the streets of Valencia in August. Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit and Jerez are also used for pre-season testing. Although the FIA did not spell out the sanctions, either circuit could lose its place in the championship if local organisers fail to deal with any further incidents of racist behaviour. "We would like to make a plea to the fans to behave correctly," circuit director Ramon Pradera was quoted as saying in La Vanguardia newspaper. "No type of offensive behaviour can be tolerated." Gerry Sutcliffe, sports minister for the British government, has demanded the FIA take action to prevent a repeat of the "sickening" racist abuse suffered by Hamilton. I am also going to write to the Spanish Sports Minister to express our ongoing concern about racism suffered by our sportsmen Following racist abuse suffered by English footballers in Spain in recent years, Sutcliffe believes strong action is required now. "Racism should not be tolerated and this is not the first time British sportsmen have been racially abused in Spain," he said. "This brings in question whether the Grand Prix should be held at this track. "I am going to write to the FIA to ask what action they are going to take in response to this. "I am also going to write to the Spanish Sports Minister to express our ongoing concern about racism suffered by our sportsmen." The McLaren team said they were disappointed with the reaction of some spectators at the Barcelona track. A statement read: "Vodafone McLaren Mercedes have raced and tested on Spanish circuits for many years. Everyone connected with the team regards Spain and the Spanish people with great affection, Lewis included." The Spanish motorsports federation (RFE) issued a stinging condemnation of fans who abused Hamilton and declared its "absolute repulsion" at the incidents in Barcelona. This type of idiots that are confusing sporting rivalry with violence should be aware that the Federation has a zero-tolerance approach to this issue Spanish motorsports federation "The Federation wants to show its absolute repulsion at these incomprehensible incidents and demonstrate its support and solidarity for the McLaren team and especially their driver Lewis Hamilton," said a statement. "This type of idiots that are confusing sporting rivalry with violence should be aware that the Federation has a zero-tolerance approach to this issue." The statement said the abuse came from a small and unrepresentative group of spectators present. It commended circuit organisers for removing offensive banners and said the RFE had asked them to strengthen measures to avoid similar incidents in future. McLaren's next test will be at the southern Spanish circuit of Jerez from 12-14 February. link
Steven Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 You have to remember that Max Mosley is the son of Oswald Mosley and as the saying goes the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Moreover Moseley junior's politics have followed those of his father closely. Until now that would not have been an issue given the rather white nature of open wheel racing. Don't expect dynamic action from the FIA.
Hugo Sanchez Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 The clubs and national team are just as bad. If the foot was on the other foot and it was us. The UEFA wankers would have a field day and get fined a stupid amount and banned from every UEFA event untill 2080. They need to clamp down on racisim in spain and every European countries.
Floating Fox Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I fail to see where he actually suffered racial abuse... More media hype of nothing me thinks. He probably got booed and that was about it.
The Stig Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I fail to see where he actually suffered racial abuse...More media hype of nothing me thinks. He probably got booed and that was about it. There has been signs held up and they apparently translate to racism. Anyway it's nothing to do with his race. They hate him as he beat Alonso, and as they're clearly unintelligent yobs they take the mick for the first thing they see that is different about him, in this case his race. I'd also put money on the fact that the punishment won't be strict enough. The FIA would lose money not going to Barcelona.
Hugo Sanchez Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I fail to see where he actually suffered racial abuse...More media hype of nothing me thinks. He probably got booed and that was about it. Naah the Spainish are a very Racist country. Probally made Monkey noises at him ... A disgrace really.
dandannieldanok Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I fail to see where he actually suffered racial abuse...More media hype of nothing me thinks. He probably got booed and that was about it. Is people painting their faces black wearing t-shirts saying Hamilton's family on not racial abuse.
Head Honcho Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I fail to see where he actually suffered racial abuse...More media hype of nothing me thinks. He probably got booed and that was about it. I agree. All I saw were a few idiots dressed up like black and white minstrels giving him some stick. Hardly racism is it
Hugo Sanchez Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 Is people painting their faces black wearing t-shirts saying Hamilton's family on not racial abuse. They really done that ? Aren't Spainish people got pretty dark skin anyway ? Saying that was it racist when everyone started wearing turbins because of Monty ?
dandannieldanok Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 They really done that ? Aren't Spainish people got pretty dark skin anyway ? Saying that was it racist when everyone started wearing turbins because of Monty ? Go on the bbc sport website, you'll see it there, and they have definitely painted their faces, it's frankly disgusting
Brainy Posted 4 February 2008 Author Posted 4 February 2008 I fail to see where he actually suffered racial abuse...More media hype of nothing me thinks. He probably got booed and that was about it. You might need to see the picture on the BBC website.
Hugo Sanchez Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 Go on the bbc sport website, you'll see it there, and they have definitely painted their faces, it's frankly disgusting They are wankers living in the past. Spainish football has alot of racism in it but do UEFA clean that up ? Even the Spainish coach was racist ... Imagine if that was in england ?! Like at big Ron got slated and no one wanted anything to do with him but Spain .. Oh give him a 2,000 euro fine and nothing more.
Geo V Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I agree. All I saw were a few idiots dressed up like black and white minstrels giving him some stick.Hardly racism is it how can you defend these images?!!!
Tevez Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I got a feeling our coach might get bricked if we sing England songs and take my england flag.
Head Honcho Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 how can you defend these images?!!! I honestly don't see what is racism about that. If they were chanting racist comments then fair do's they're a bvnch o ****s but dressing up like black and white minstrels I mean come on guys lets get real ffs. No wonder this country is going to the fvcking dogs They actually look like brits-probably Hamilton fans!!! OK maybe not Hamilton fans!
dandannieldanok Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 I honestly don't see what is racism about that.If they were chanting racist comments then fair do's they're a bvnch o ****s but dressing up like black and white minstrels I mean come on guys lets get real ffs. No wonder this country is going to the fvcking dogs They actually look like brits-probably Hamilton fans!!! OK maybe not Hamilton fans! You campaign for the BNP by any chance
Bryn Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 It's undeniably racist but whether you choose to be offended by it is a different matter. Hamilton probably was and that makes it an issue. More often than not I'm wary of claims of "racism" etc. but on this occasion I think that's pretty bad.
dandannieldanok Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 It's undeniably racist but whether you choose to be offended by it is a different matter. Hamilton probably was and that makes it an issue. More often than not I'm wary of claims of "racism" etc. but on this occasion I think that's pretty bad. Agreed. It must have been horrendous for the lad, especially considering his family is so dear to him.
Head Honcho Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 You campaign for the BNP by any chance Far from it mate but for someone to be offended by that needs to chill out a bit. You'll be telling me Al Murray's racist next
Brainy Posted 4 February 2008 Author Posted 4 February 2008 I honestly don't see what is racism about that.If they were chanting racist comments then fair do's they're a bvnch o ****s but dressing up like black and white minstrels I mean come on guys lets get real ffs. No wonder this country is going to the fvcking dogs They actually look like brits-probably Hamilton fans!!! OK maybe not Hamilton fans! How on earth do they look like Brits?
dandannieldanok Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 Far from it mate but for someone to be offended by that needs to chill out a bit.You'll be telling me Al Murray's racist next If I was subject to that I'd be offended greatly so maybe I need to "chill out a bit", and as I said the reference to family makes it a whole lot worse. Fair play to you if you would be able to ignore it but I find it sickening and embarassing.
Head Honcho Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 How on earth do they look like Brits? How on earth do they not?
purpleronnie Posted 4 February 2008 Posted 4 February 2008 It stems from the government, our's has always had many intiatives in sport and schools to combat it, other countries do nothing. It wasn't that long ago (1970's) the BNP were claiming large amounts of votes in general elections, we did something about it, unfortunately other countries dont really care about it. So it continues.
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