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Hammers fans accused of racially abusing own players' relatives
Published 23:01 03/04/11 By Darren Lewis - EXCLUSIVE
Families of two West Ham players claim they were victims of racist abuse - from their own fans.
West Ham are investigating after guests of strikers Victor Obinna and Freddie Piquionne were involved in a row with fans during Saturday’s defeat to Manchester United.
Angry relatives of Obinna confronted supporters in the Main Stand after they and guests of Nigerian frontman Obinna were abused.
The families were sitting in a box behind fans watching the game when they claim a small section began hurling racist abuse at them.
An altercation is understood to have taken place after at least one family member left the box to go downstairs and confront fans.
A source said: “Some of the stuff they said was disgusting. You just don’t expect to hear that from people supporting your own team.
“These were families of the players who didn’t do anything to deserve that. It’s a disgrace.”
The families are believed to have declined the opportunity to speak to police but a formal complaint is now being considered.
A West Ham spokesman said: "We take these allegations very seriously and are looking into them. If there is found to be any wrongdoing, then we will take appropriate action."
Read more: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] ... z1Igi06UNv
West Ham's Obinna denies family were racially abused
By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos
Victor Obinna Nsfor in action for West Ham
Obinna says his family were not at the game against Manchester United
West Ham striker Victor Obinna has rejected reports that his family were subjected to racist abuse by fans last Saturday.
The Premier League club announced an investigation into the claims following the 4-2 defeat by Manchester United.
But the player told BBC Sport he was shocked to hear about an incident that never occurred.
"Nothing happened - I do not have any of my family members in England," Obinna told BBC Sport on Tuesday.
"There is no point asking me to confirm or verify an incident that never happened - I was in total shock when I heard and read about it in the papers.
"I didn't have any of my relatives at the game and I do not know anyone who complained of any racial incident at the game."
Reports also suggested that the family of fellow West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne had been abused but Obinna did not know anything about those claims.
Both players came on as substitutes in the match against United, which the visitors won 4-2 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] ... 447767.stm[quote]
Published 23:01 03/04/11 By Darren Lewis - EXCLUSIVE
Families of two West Ham players claim they were victims of racist abuse - from their own fans.
West Ham are investigating after guests of strikers Victor Obinna and Freddie Piquionne were involved in a row with fans during Saturday’s defeat to Manchester United.
Angry relatives of Obinna confronted supporters in the Main Stand after they and guests of Nigerian frontman Obinna were abused.
The families were sitting in a box behind fans watching the game when they claim a small section began hurling racist abuse at them.
An altercation is understood to have taken place after at least one family member left the box to go downstairs and confront fans.
A source said: “Some of the stuff they said was disgusting. You just don’t expect to hear that from people supporting your own team.
“These were families of the players who didn’t do anything to deserve that. It’s a disgrace.”
The families are believed to have declined the opportunity to speak to police but a formal complaint is now being considered.
A West Ham spokesman said: "We take these allegations very seriously and are looking into them. If there is found to be any wrongdoing, then we will take appropriate action."
Read more: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] ... z1Igi06UNv
West Ham's Obinna denies family were racially abused
By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos
Victor Obinna Nsfor in action for West Ham
Obinna says his family were not at the game against Manchester United
West Ham striker Victor Obinna has rejected reports that his family were subjected to racist abuse by fans last Saturday.
The Premier League club announced an investigation into the claims following the 4-2 defeat by Manchester United.
But the player told BBC Sport he was shocked to hear about an incident that never occurred.
"Nothing happened - I do not have any of my family members in England," Obinna told BBC Sport on Tuesday.
"There is no point asking me to confirm or verify an incident that never happened - I was in total shock when I heard and read about it in the papers.
"I didn't have any of my relatives at the game and I do not know anyone who complained of any racial incident at the game."
Reports also suggested that the family of fellow West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne had been abused but Obinna did not know anything about those claims.
Both players came on as substitutes in the match against United, which the visitors won 4-2 to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] ... 447767.stm[quote]
