Of fucking course they did. I guess it was too much to expect the UEFA to take any real action. Lip service only apparently. I can just imagine the statements. Let me guess: football triumphed. Just shameful. More later – I’m on the subway and I’m about to lose reception. When I get above ground again, I’ll add links, etc. So fucking angry.
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
shameful and a f*****g disgrace. you had a chance to show your campaign was more than just lip-service and you blew it, uefa. i would love to say that this surprises me, but sadly i expected this all along. what a slap in the face to ethnic players and fans everywhere…but wait, they obviously don’t matter in the grand scheme of things :eyeroll: what a slap in the face of all decent human beings out there. how can these people look at themselves in the mirror and not cringe?! i am done. done with everything uefa that is not real madrid. i’ll not be watching the final. not that it will matter to uefa and barca, but i am boycotting this shamefulness
ugh!!! how could i forget…how will sergio busquets be able to look obama in the face in a few weeks?! errrrr. he should be left at the hotel. or (preferably) in spain!!! >:O
can’t get over the anger.
poor marcelino. i just want to go cuddle him and tell him that the haters can all diaf! (not really….but just errrrrrrrrrr >:O )
Stay useless UEFA. At least the NBA did something when Kobe used that homophobic slur against that ref. Ugh so ridiculous
Anyone who knows me is very aware of the fact that Busquets is far from my favourite player on my team and I say this is as much of an un-biased fashion as I possibly can- I don’t know how UEFA could have found him guilty. If he did do it, I hope he’s plagued with guilt for a very long time. I’ve been a victim of racism and I couldn’t even put it into words how angry it makes me, but it would have been next to impossible to find him guilty when the only evidence is of him mouthing something. If there was audio, it’d be far easier, but all we have is a video that shows next to nothing and the word of one man against another. UEFA should have demanded lie-detector tests or something. I know a lot of people will blame the UEFA-Barcelona-UNICEF conspiracy or whatever it is, but in any court of law (or law making body, as UEFA is), that kind of “evidence” just doesn’t hold up.
It’s a shame really, that we’re not going to ever really know who was lying, because clearly, SOMEONE is whether it’s Marcelo or Busquets.
On a bit of a side note, I’m curious about something. I was told that Real Madrid stated that they didn’t start the accusations about racism, they just submitted the video as part of the “unsportsmanlike conduct” of some of the players, but in UEFA’s statement, they said they rejected Real Madrid’s allegations about the racism. So who actually started these accusations, Real Madrid or UEFA?
surprising? absolutely not. revolting? absolutely.
as for dylan’s comment and what passes for “evidence” in a law-making body: i’m kind of unclear on how fifa can sanction mou, sergio, iker, etc. for whispering behind their hands earlier this season (which the audio didn’t pick up either) but it’s okay for uefa to turn a blind eye in the face of some pretty damning evidence.
also, this means that they dragged marcelo in, made him relive this episode and then basically called him a liar.
perhaps i should reserve judgment until the full details of the inquiry are released, but right now, this is hitting like a ton of bricks and i needed to unload.
oops, i meant uefa not fifa.
see. another reason not to pound frustratedly away at the keyboard when you’re angry. rash statements… and typos.
If that video of Busquets mouthing something is damning evidence against him, the actions of Ramos and Casillas (and Dudek and Mourinho) are damning enough against them. So it works either way. In any case, I don’t agree with any punishment being handed out with solid evidence. There isn’t solid evidence against Busquets and there wasn’t solid evidence against the group who were punished for the actions earlier in the CL.
I would like to point out though- if UEFA are to charge Busquets on allegations of racism, they should also have to charge Real Madrid for the racist chants from their fans aimed at Dani Alves during the CL.
They haven’t necessarily called Marcelo a liar, either. Being found “not guilty” isn’t really the same as being found “innocent”. But I can’t help but feel that Mourinho has shot himself (and Real) in the foot with his conspiracy talk.
But definitely, I agree UEFA should disclose how they came to this decision. Then hopefully everyone can put it behind them. It’s a shame how much controversy has come out of these games, I used to love watching El Clasico, now I dread them.
if, as you argue dylan, uefa was wrong to sanction the RM players earlier this season based on nothing more than circumstantial evidence, the fact that the organization set a precedence by accepting that kind of evidence makes me wonder why it wasn’t applied here as well?
also, i take umbrage with your second point. there is a world of difference between a *FAN* saying something like this and a *PLAYER,* as i’m sure you’re already aware. fans don’t get paid, for one, or command the respect, or serve as role models. that’s just throwing up smoke and mirrors in front of the real point.
i’m going to get some work done now and bite my tongue further. this is obviously a contentious issue. it is not my intention to offend anyone, particularly dylan, who has been such a welcome and vital aspect of the discussion around here.
I’ve not said UEFA are consistent. They’re far from it, as are FIFA, the FA and the RFEF. It’s a very sad fact of football, unfortunately.
I know there’s a BIG difference, but the rules of football as I’ve always be brought up to understand them is that the club in responsible for controlling their fans in the stadiums, so it’s down to Real Madrid to take some kind of action. It’s similar to how Rangers have been punished for the sectarian singing of their fans during Europa League games (I think it was EL, anyway).
But yes, I definitely agree, maybe it’s better for us all to bite our tongues until (if they do) UEFA disclose the facts. Likewise, it’s definitely not my intention to offend anyone, certainly not you guys on here. You all seem very welcoming to my cule point-of-view and that is much appreciated 🙂
I already said most of this on Una’s blog, but I thought I should share with you as well.
I’d be lying if I said I was surprised. But the fact that I’m not surprised disgusts me almost as much as what Busquets said and that UEFA cleared him.
1) While watching Manchester United vs Blackburn the commentators (one of which was Steve McManaman) were talking about. Both of them agreed that they expected UEFA to find Busquets guilty. If anyone wants to challenge McManaman’s bias toward Real Madrid, go ahead. But he’s consistently been one of ESPN’s most neutral commentators.
2) USA international and current Bursaspor player (on loan from Villareal) is also disgusted by the verdict. His words on Twitter were “Wow call a player a monkey on tv and it’s all good huh? #shame”
If you want to see his comment for yourself, it’s @JozyAltidore17 on Twitter. Jozy has no bias toward either team. In fact, the majority of the time he has only good things to say about Barcelona. Through all the clasicos he spoke of how great Barcelona is.
To paraphrase Public Enemy “UEFA is a joke” I know what I saw and I know that they felt that it wasn’t “strong and convincing” enough, but that seems to imply that they had their doubts. UEFA was the one who originally opened the case about it so that does say something.
Busquets is going to have to live with himself. I’d still like an apology from Bartomeu for his comments or some sort of censure but I’m guessing that will never come. I’m sure Bartomeu is quite happy and self-righteous today. Fuck him.
I believe Busquets said it based on what I saw and he’s dead to me even as a member of La Roja. I don’t make any team distinctions at the national level, but I gotta call it as I see it and I call foul. If he steps foot on the pitch at Foxboro, I will boo him when he is announced. Sorry, that’s just how I feel. This issue has nothing to do with team afflilation to me.
I am a Cule and I would like to believe that he didn’t say that (because if he did then I agree that it is beyond s*** that he didn’t get punished,I can honestly say that I would have preferred to see him miss the Champions League final, some Champions League Matches next season and get a hefty fine to send some kind of message. I agree this issue has nothing to do with club affiliation but i’m not sure (I don’t particularly like him but coming from a legal background like Dylan, innocent until proven guilty is drilled into my DNA and we’re taught to disregard this type of evidence, hard to change the habit of a lifetime)
Allegations like this are extreamly serious and hard to prove which is the problem unless you have audio or a witness. Unlike the card situation early in the year(don’t think you should have been punished for that Mou should have been less obvious but the evidence was circumstantial) it could be considered defamation as it would seriously undermine a persons reputation. Without concrete proof UEFA would just have been looking for legal action which they would (almost) definately lose. I don’t think the decision is part of a conspiracy, you won’t find a lawyer who would have recommended UEFA otherwise, which I agree sucks.
If he said it and Barca were aware I would prefer them to discipline him publically or at the very, very least to have done so privately, its an insult to their players and fans to do nothing. The comments of the Barca director were seriously damaging, plenty of proof there, he should actually be fined, because what we can all agree on is that it does matter what Busquets said and what happens on the field with regard to racism or homophobia shouldn’t stay there.
Sorry for the crap punctuation, half asleep after work!
Thanks for sharing the legal perspective. I don’t think it’s a part of consipiracy. I just think that UEFA should/can be doing more across the board about racism (along with RFEF, FIFA, etc.)
I’m glad to see that someone else agrees that Bartomeu should be reprimanded in some way. I’m absolutely stunned that Barca didn’t step up to do some damage control about those comments. It made them look bad. Not saying anything implies that they’re okay with those statements and it sends a really poor message. The whole thing just adds a shitload more extra drama that we didn’t need, you know? So stressful. 😦
I know I am seriously considering hibernation for the next classico. I think it has to start with the clubs ( with it being so hard to prove. A public statement from Barcelona saying denouncing those remarks from Bartomeu would be a good start, agreeing that any allegations of racism should be dealt with. No tolerance at club level would be a start. Hopefully he’s a dinosaur and the rest of Barca are more progressive it would kill me for the Villa contract clause to be lip service.
I hear you. I’m dreading the Supercopa. It’s the weekend of wa-tishista! Shiggers’ wedding so I have an excuse to delay my watching of the game and that should help my stress level somewhat. Ugh x 80,000 with regards to both Bartemou and Rosell. I think it tarnishes Barca’s rep every time these douches speak up and the club doesn’t say anything. They just make them look so bad. 😦
I just have to give my two cents on the Bartomeu issue… he and Rosell should shut their mouths. Everytime they open them, they seem to say something that just makes me want to shake my head or smack them. The only man at the club that I actually listen to is Pep. He watches what he says and he speaks in a sensible fashion. Rosell and Bartomeu could both learn a lot from him.
I hope someone at the club says something to show that they don’t agree with what he said. And I’d like a statement from the club (and UEFA) on the Busquets issue. I like to believe that Busquets is innocent because I don’t think I can handle the idea of one of my players being a racist. Until there’s concrete evidence, I’ll stick with my opinion that he’s innocent. And I trust in the clause in contracts that says players can be released if they’ve made any racist comments. I hope Pep and the board are good enough people (which I believe they are) to put that clause into effect if they knew Busquets had said anything to Marcelo.
Pretty much, these past couple of months have been nightmares on football drama terms. I hope the down time during the off season gives everyone a chance to cool off 🙂
I used to think he was innocent because I honestly couldn’t tell what he was saying in the video. But there has been no denial and Bartomeu’s comments seemed to basically admit it. I think it’s lame that the club hasn’t addressed it, *really* lame.
It’s inexcusable.
But please also own that the Bernabeu tolerates a LOT of racism- a dedicated section….that’s not such a pretty picture either and doesn’t reflect well on the club. Look it up if you don’t believe me. I’ve always wished they’d ban these people but they don’t and many have seasons tickets…
This stuff has no place in football.
I have commented many times that it has no place in football and have said that fans should be punished as well. So, yeah, I do admit it occurs at the Bernabeu and I think it’s shameful. I don’t care where it happens, it shouldn’t be happening. I’ve said that many times on this blog and I have also taken RM fans to task for their bullshit (see the very damning article I posted back around the Clasicos about the bullshit that fans were spewing). Nowhere am I claiming that it doesn’t. It’s happening at every stadium in Spain if reports are to be believed and it’s wrong. All the clubs seem to have the same problems with certain groups of fans. But what we are discussing is a player and a VP of a club and that club’s failure to take their employees to task. That’s the issue at hand. And it sucks that they haven’t responded. I can’t imagine the disappointment you must feel in your club. I know I would be deeply unhappy and writing a shit ton of letters to RM if the same thing had happened. It’s seriously uncool.
Yeah, it’s super disappointing. I keep hoping Barca will say something….some kind of general condemnation of racism if UEFA doesn’t have enough to go on. And I’m so over Busquets- his image is rather shot now.
The problem in the Bernabeu is um, pretty bad. We’re not just talking about your standard loser biggots that sadly exist in every stadium but a whole section of them with season tickets in the same place year after year. I don’t know HOW they get away with it.
Yes, they’re called ultras and there’s a section of these assholes in every single stadium in Spain. Since you don’t follow Madrid, you probably missed the tales of monkey chanting from the Atleti fans at Marcelo and Adebayor. Or the Sevilla ultras chanting that Marcelo had lice and was a monkey a week or so ago during that game. It’s not just in the Bernabeu, LV, it’s all over Spain.
Peep this 2009 article: http://nicholasmead.com/2009/03/23/spanish-footballs-race-debate/
Or this: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1176955,00.html
And Spain has a large number of racist skinheads: http://www.nizkor.org/hweb/orgs/american/adl/skinhead-international/skins-spain.html
And yes, the RM ultra sur are noted douchebags, no doubt about it, but please, don’t pretend that it doesn’t happen everywhere else including Barcelona. The problem is much bigger than a single club’s fans.
I know who they are and I know they are everywhere but it was always my understanding that they were at their worst in the Bernabeu…there’s even an entire book about the Bernabeu crowd.
I’m not pretending or anything, I’m just pointing out that they have a very high profile presence at that stadium, FAR more than anywhere other in Spain. I’m not inferring that these idiots have ANYTHING to do with the average RM fan.
And yep, I agree and I think I mentioned before that Spain in general has a very gross way of glossing over racism. This new incident with Busquets and their response to it really shows it and it’s really disgusting.
Well, if I apologize if I misunderstood what you were trying to say but when you made this statement “But please also own that the Bernabeu tolerates a LOT of racism” you seemed to be implying that I have ignored bad RM fan behavior which I have never done and I took great offense at the suggestion that I would. If that’s not what you meant, then my bad. But seriously, I think we’re all well aware of the problems at the Bernabeu/Spain. Still doesn’t excuse Barca from not speaking up or dealing with the comments which is the issue on the table.
A cule named quebien had this to say over on ONTD_Football:
“I’m sorry, you don’t just say “mucho morro” to someone with a hand over your face.
I’m a proud Barcelona fan. I’ve stood with my team through many situations, but this is just too much. I don’t think I have ever been so thoroughly repulsed by a person and an organizations actions on this level. It’s not a shock to me, but it’s simply astounding to me the complete disregard for morality and basic levels of decency towards other human beings that is being overlooked in this whole situation. UEFA is just proving again and again how power and money can so easily corrupt an organization into a spineless mess.
Another thing that I’m horrified at is the PR response of Barcelona. Seriously. Anyone who has half a brain would never let that dodgy statement by the Vice President out, not to mention comments from some team members and staff. Really? Their PR should be all over this shit like white on rice, not keeping a silent treatment. Mes que un club should mean more than being silent on an issue with a racist allegation concerning a player.
Though I love my team and would be so happy to see them win another CL, the other half of me is going to be so thoroughly repulsed whenever Busquets is on the field and hoping that Manchester United can beat some decency and morality back into him.”
You can love your team, but not be an apologist for them (and I’m not implying that you’re doing that), but I know many cules who feel this way right now.
Brooks Peck over on Dirty Tackle put up a post on this and most of the responses (regardless of team affiliation) were angry as well.
I’m totally not being an apologist for Barca and I’m sorry if I it seemed that way!! The opposite. Their response is deeply disappointing and that’s the bottom line here…
I think we can agree on that.