Alonso unconcerned by racist abuse of Hamilton
Fernando Alonso has broken his silence on the racist abuse of Lewis Hamilton by supporters of his at the Circuit de Catalunya two weeks ago:
This is not a racist country. This was an isolated thing — and the less it is talked about, the better. There were people enjoying Carnival and look what happened. They call me a dog and no one comes out in my defence. I don’t think we need an anti-racist campaign like FIA want to organize for the Grand Prix at Barcelona.
I’m concerned and disappointed by his attitude.
I’m not unsympathetic to his complaint that, “They call me a dog and no one comes out in my defence,” but it’s difficult to understand it when he hasn’t said who “they” are. As far as I’m aware “dog” isn’t a racial epithet unlike the cries of “black s***” that were directed at Hamilton.
Alonso has taken his cue from Bernie Ecclestone’s recent remarks along the same lines, using the same word “isolated” to describe them even though Max Mosley has suggested there was also racist abuse of Hamilton last year.
I know some people have reservations about the FIA’s hard-line stance against racism, and are concerned that it is an excessive reaction to abuse that, so far, has only involved a small number of people.
My reason for supporting the campaign is simple: this blog has had racist remarks posted on it and I have and will continue to delete them. They have not just been targeted at Hamilton, but most of them have. But whoever it is aimed at racism is disgusting and I will not allow it on my website.
One driver condoning the racist abuse of another is simply unacceptable. Will the FIA react?
More on racism in F1
Toncho said on 21st February 2008, 18:55
FA lost a great chance to back LH on this important issue. Big mistake, he should drive and not speak to journalists.
I enjoyed this article about the whole affair http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3341989.ece
I just have to say that condemning an entire nation on the actions of a very visible few is the very essence of racism and discrimination.
Jolene said on 21st February 2008, 20:41
All I can say to those saying that the race issue has been blown out of proportion is shame on you. I live in South Africa where racism is rife. The only people who would say its no big deal are obviously those who have never had a racist remark hurled at them. All it takes is one person or one remark. Racism is disgusting and should have no place in f1.
Pink Peril said on 21st February 2008, 23:38
Poor Alonso. For days people have been clamouring for him to address the issue and now that he has he has been lampooned. I don’t see any problem with what he said – he has not condoned the incident at all, and has attemtped a measure of reason by quantifying his statements,saying he hasn’t seen the video (and therefore is not really qualified to comment. A few people could take a leaf out of that book ! :) )
He has also made a good point about this not being a Spanish issue (as the British papers would have us beleive). It is probably upsetting for him to hear all of his fans and countrymen tarred with the racist brush.
Given how Hamilton has been spouting off about Alonso in the media of recent times, this is actually a gentlemanly response, IMO.
openwheelfan said on 21st February 2008, 23:45
No, Jolene I do not think that we are saying that it was blown out of proportion I think that it happened and I think that it should not happen again. We can not control everyone. No one is downplaying what happened. I think that we feel that the story got bigger legs because of the press. It happened and the story was beaten to death in the press. There are tens of thousands of F1 fans in Spain. I am sure that these individuals are not an example of the entire fan base or even a minority. At least that is what I hope. I think we all agree that race(skin color) has no place in F1. Or in sport or in the world. To me it has no place. I am a business owner and I have never hired (or not hired) someone based on the color of his or her skin. I have always said the best person for the job. I could care less if he or her were purple. They (we) are all people. Sounds idealistic but if more people began to think more idealistic maybe racism would go away like a bad cold!!
KB said on 22nd February 2008, 20:57
I agree completely with Alonso, I think sites like this(and others) should stop making fans appear to be racist by repeatedly running headlines like this to keep users commenting on it.
There is no racism in F1 just fans who mix well no matter who they support!
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 22nd February 2008, 21:30
At no time have I exaggerated what happened and on several occasions I’ve invited people, especially native Spanish speakers, to help me clarify the facts.
In the article above I wrote that the abuse “only involved a small number of people.” In this post concerning footage of the testing in Spain I wrote “There isn’t any footage of the taunting that led to the row over racism”. In this article I pointed out and criticised the irresponsible, exaggerated and occasionally downright false reportage given to the story in the British press. My very first article on the subject of racism had to begin with a retraction of an earlier piece in which I had said, “I haven’t seen any evidence of a racial motivation“, once it became clear there had been.
I have tried to avoid describing them as ‘fans’, because I don’t think that’s what they are.
You just object to me giving it any coverage at all. But the fact of the matter is that a small number of Spanish spectators shouted racial abuse at Lewis Hamilton at the Circuit de Catalunya.
There will inevitably be a hundred different opinions on what the reaction to it should be. Many people – perhaps the majority of people – think it should be ignored. I think it should be dealt with. I respect the right of others to hold different opinions. But if you seriously think the coverage I have given it is on a par with the sensationalist garbage in the Daily Star with its hysterical claims of “Nazi death threats” then you badly need to get some perspective.
oliver said on 22nd February 2008, 21:38
Kick out those who cause trouble, but a few banners and jingles is not going to end racism anytime soon. Let the organizers of the events handle the racism issue, no need for any concerts.
Gareth said on 22nd February 2008, 22:02
i agree with your post. Alonso is just sticking up for his fans becasue if they didn’t support him I don’t think anybody would. He’s obviously been rattled by Hamilton because he knows deep down that Hamilton is a better driver and it was shown throughout last year. Alonso lost Hamilton the champonship with his harsh tactics.
Number 38 said on 23rd February 2008, 7:49
This was and still is a “non-story”. I think of the hours wasted at the keyboard over nothing.
George said on 23rd February 2008, 19:43
Alonso could have spiked the entire affair by saying something along the lines of:
“It is regrettable that Lewis suffered taunts of a racial nature by a few spectators who are not representative of F1 fans, and especially not representative of my country. These people are not my fan base and I strongly ask all who attend races to respect all drivers.”
The “story” would have a quick ending. Instead his ambiguous response continues to foster needless discussion and speculation. Can Melbourne get here fast enough??
Sri said on 25th February 2008, 8:09
I agree with George. We need to have Melbourne coming up and soon.
Also, there are a lot of bird brained people in this world, with barely any cure in sight. So, i guess we should just let the sleeping dogs lie(take a cue Mr. Alonso) and perhaps drivers(both past and present and you know who) should mind their own business. Past ones to have a respectful retired life(keeping shut, except flaming FIA when needed and giving youth some useful advice(mind you)) and present ones could simply try and drive, on the straight and narrow, in order to win (races and world championship(s)).
Ebony Prince said on 29th April 2008, 7:19
Thing is: if there would be more Black F1 fans fools like these four ******** (excuse me French) would never even DARE to come up with dumb action like that. Us Blacks distancing ourselves from certain sports as being "too white" doesn´t help either. If we don´t show up at places, why, of course idiots are going to feel free to take liberties.
As for racism in sports- it´s not a Spanish problem. It´s a Europe wide problem period
Ebony Prince said on 29th April 2008, 7:26
btw Alonso is a fool. And fools can´t argue.
Ripped Off said on 31st July 2008, 17:38
The Spanish racists are the dregs left of the franco fascist regime, ignorant stupid people with no education living in denial.
Banning a Spanish grand prix next year would have had the required effect though,
Racism of any kind should not be tolerated anywhere especially in sport
homegym said on 23rd May 2010, 2:56
Hey, That’s wonderful i got alot of links from your site I got your site helpful.