ZCZC
BSP-08
FBL-CHN-CHINA-DEMBABA
Ex-Chelsea striker Demba Ba at centre of China racism row
SHANGHAI, Aug 5, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Senegalese striker Demba Ba found himself
at the centre of a racism controversy in China over allegations that an
opposing Chinese player hurled insensitive comments at him during a match
Saturday night.
The former Chelsea forward, now with Shanghai Shenhua, became embroiled in
a heated exchange with Changchun Yatai midfielder Zhang Li late in their 1-1
Chinese Super League draw after Ba collided with one of Zhang’s teammates.
Various Chinese media reports said a furious Ba later claimed that Zhang
made racially insulting remarks.
In a post-match press conference, Shenhua coach Wu Jingui condemned the
incident.
“Later, I learned that a Yatai player used insulting language toward him
(Ba). Around the world, it has been stressed that there should be no
insulting speech toward black athletes,” Wu said, in comments posted on a
team social media account.
“The Chinese Super League has players of many different skin colours. We
should respect our opponents and there should be no discrimination.”
Following the match, many postings on Chinese social media as well as news
media reports called for an investigation.
Ba also retweeted on his Twitter account a posting calling for “serious
disciplinary actions” over the incident.
Ba, a Senegalese international, had played for Shenhua in 2015-2016 before
being sidelined by a broken leg.
Brief spells with Turkish sides Besiktas and Goztepe followed before Ba
returned to Shenhua in June during the summer transfer window.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1059 hrs