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Striker Wellington ‘accepts apology’ from fan who threw banana at him | Striker Wellington ‘accepts apology’ from fan who threw banana at him |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Brazilian player who was reduced to tears by “incredible” racist abuse during a league game in Romania last week has reportedly accepted an apology from a fan who threw a banana at him. | The Brazilian player who was reduced to tears by “incredible” racist abuse during a league game in Romania last week has reportedly accepted an apology from a fan who threw a banana at him. |
The Concordia Chiajna striker Wellington was the victim of repeated racist abuse from a section of Rapid Bucharest supporters during their Romanian league match, and was seen in tears at the end of the game. TV footage showed supporters making monkey gestures. | The Concordia Chiajna striker Wellington was the victim of repeated racist abuse from a section of Rapid Bucharest supporters during their Romanian league match, and was seen in tears at the end of the game. TV footage showed supporters making monkey gestures. |
After the game Wellington said: “It’s incredible what happened … I wanted to get off the field, I’m not a monkey … I told the referee [about the abuse] and he gave me a yellow card. Those who did it are idiots, and I hope the federation will do something about it.” | |
The fallout from the incident prompted a public meeting between the supporter and Wellington, during which the pair were pictured embracing and shaking hands. Romanian press quoted the supporter as saying: “I admit I was wrong and I’m sorry. I apologise and look forward to the return match, when I’ll be your biggest fan.” | The fallout from the incident prompted a public meeting between the supporter and Wellington, during which the pair were pictured embracing and shaking hands. Romanian press quoted the supporter as saying: “I admit I was wrong and I’m sorry. I apologise and look forward to the return match, when I’ll be your biggest fan.” |
Wellington reportedly accepted the apology, and promised to hand the supporter a signed shirt later in the week. | Wellington reportedly accepted the apology, and promised to hand the supporter a signed shirt later in the week. |
Romanian authorities responded by punishing Rapid with a two-game stadium ban and a fine of around £4,000, while the hosts Concordia were also fined £2,600. | |
However, the extraordinary post-match comments from Rapid’s coach Marian Rada have not, so far, led to sanctions. Rada was quoted as saying: “Was he crying? Maybe Wellington should have cried because he didn’t score. And how do we know it was a Rapid fan? Maybe a banana just slipped out of someone’s hand.” | |
He later issued a statement, saying: “In the press conference after the game I disapproved of the supporter’s gesture towards Wellington. I’m sorry if I was misunderstood, especially as I have a black player in my side, who I like very much.” |
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