Morning:
8°c
Grant has to face racism, says Zahavi
8 May 2008
Avram Grant would be more popular at Chelsea if he wasn't Jewish, his agent claimed today.
Pini Zahavi, who is also an Israeli Jew, has accused England of anti-Semitic behaviour towards his client and friend.
The agent has known Grant for over 20 years and also helped broker the 2003 sale of Chelsea to Abramovich.
"There are no words to describe the mistreatment Avram is receiving," Zahavi said in an interview with Israeli newspaper Ma'ariv.
"They are sucking his blood on a daily basis regardless of his victories and what he achieves.
"You know what, maybe if he hadn't been Israeli or Jewish, it might have been different. There is some sort of anti-Semitism here, especially if one remembers who appointed him. Abramovich is Jewish and also Russian. So the Chelsea fans love him, but the rest of the fans in England don't."
Reader views (1)
This is disgraceful pandering to the home crowd (in this case Israel). There is not a single justification for waving the race/religion card. I am a life long Chelsea supporter and a regular at Stamford Bridge and anybody who knows anything about this subject knows that concerns about Grant are totally centred on his coaching skills. For a long time the jury has been out not helped by rumours from the dressing room that supporter fears are also held, with much greater knowledge/experience by the players. The season has not ended yet so we will see. We go on Saturdays to watch football, Mr Zahavi should keep his nonsense paranoia to himself or his shrink.
- Nicholas Walters, Brussels, Belgium, 08/05/2008 14:32
Report abuse
