The N word having a larf

By Andy Strouthous
October 26 2004

"MADRID (AFP) - Spain's national coach Luis Aragones could be in trouble for referring to Arsenal's French striker Thierry Henry as a 'nigger'. According to journalists watching the training session, Aragones was trying to gee up Henry's Arsenal teammate Jose Antonio Reyes and shouted across to him

"Tell the nigger (Henry) you are better than him. Tell him from me
Reyes, who has teamed up to great effect with Henry in the English Premiership this season, played down the comment afterwards.
"It was just a laugh. This is something concerning the team and should remain among us."

I just hope that Reyes was misquoted or rushes to deny this story. It might be a wind up but it needs squashing quickly.

The N word is never a joke it is offensive and racist. Ian Wright would never accept it as a laugh, his hatred of Peter Smuckle (you know the bacon advertising goalie that once played for Villa)was because of such abuse. Recently Wrighty got a spectator arrested at QPR for similar abuse.

The relationship between Henry and Reyes is just beginning to gell it would be unfortunate if Reyes was to weaken that partnership by being soft on Aragones's racism. Meanwhile UEFA or FIFA must act and demand the sacking of Aragones, if it is proved that is what he said.

After all it was good enough for Big Ron, he admitted it was fair cop and went early doors. When Ian Wright was reminded in Big Ron's mitigation that he had helped to develop Black players, Ian replied "well in that case he should know better" and supported his sacking.