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Thursday 26 August 2010

West Bromwich Albion fans hit back at 'racist' banner (UK)

West Bromwich Albion legend Cyrille Regis has hit out at this offensive banner directed at the club’s £2 million new striker, Peter Odemwingie.

A huge white sheet sprawled behind goals at the ground of the 29-year-old player’s former Russian club, Lokomotiv Moscow, depicted a banana with the words “THANKS WEST BROM”.

The picture reference is believed to be a spiteful throwback to the abuse suffered by black players, such as Liverpool winger John Barnes, who broke through in the English game in the last century. It was also suffered by Albion legend Regis, who also played for Villa and Wolves.

Famously, he teamed up with two other black players, Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson, to tear through defences in the late 1970 and early 1980s.

Today, he branded the banner “cowardly” and said Odemwingie, who has a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, would be treated with respect by Black Country fans.

“It’s not only racist but cowardly,” said Regis. “Did they ever target him when he was there or did they wait until he was gone?

“How will we ever get rid of racism in football when things like this happen?

“Peter has come to the right club, where he will be judged on his ability to play football.”

Baggies fans have also hit back at the banner and set up a Facebook page supporting Odemwingie.

Hawthorns regular Martin Greenwood, 25, from Oldbury, said: “I thought the banner in Russia was disgusting and there’s a general feeling that we should do something about it because racism shouldn’t be tolerated in the sport.”

A spokesman for West Bromwich Albion said: “We deplore any suggestion of racism, both in football and every walk of life.

“Beyond saying this, we do not intend to dignify these reports with any further comment.

“Peter made a fine debut for Albion on Saturday, scoring the winning goal against Sunderland, and has become an instant hit with our supporters, who have welcomed his signing with enthusiasm,” he added.

Lokomotiv Moscow declined to comment.

Birmingham Mail