Marca apologise for 'racist' claims

  • by Staff Writer
  • Tuesday, 17th October 2017

Spanish newspaper Marca have been forced to issue a apology after they claimed that fellow London clubs "hated" Tottenham and their fans as a result of their Jewish links.

In their coverage of the forthcoming Champions League tie between Spurs and Real Madrid, the Spanish daily claimed that "racist groups" existed within both West Ham and Chelsea - which led to a furious response from both clubs.

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"We are shocked and disappointed by the comments made by Marca in relation to Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Chelsea," a West Ham spokesperson told TalkSport. "Marca's accusations are unfounded, offensive and wildly inaccurate.

"There is no place in sport for discrimination of any kind. West Ham United is an inclusive environment where everyone that visits London Stadium feels welcome, regardless of gender, age, race, religion or sexual orientation."

Meanwhile Chelsea similarly rejected the accusations, adding: "We know that the vast majority of our fans share the club's view that racism is both abhorrent and deplorable and will not be tolerated.

"It is a great shame a media publication such as Marca should choose to make such wide-ranging, inaccurate and appalling accusations."

Despite apologising to all three English clubs, the newspaper nevertheless continued to persist with its unfounded and baffling claims that racist cells exist within both West Ham and Chelsea.

"The 'hatred' that Tottenham suffers is very focused on the radical and racist groups that are hiding in society, especially among the fans of Chelsea and West Ham," read Marca's statement.

"Obviously, these groups do not represent the English game or society. We regret the confusion that has been created in this respect. The intention was not to damage the image of Tottenham - a club we respect, value and admire.

"We do not want to serve as a mouthpiece for these racist minorities, which remain within football and which use any pretext to spread their messages of hate, which we reject head-on."


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