Source: Daily_Mail
El Hadji Diouf: I might be a desperado, but I was also the victim at Everton
El Hadji Diouf has re-ignited his race row with Everton after Blackburn's trip to Goodison Park last month by saying referee Lee Mason is on his side and welcoming the fact that he has so far escaped punishment.[LNB]Police were called in to investigate claims that Diouf, 28, made a racist comment to a ball boy, but the Blackburn player infuriated Everton by accusing their supporters of pelting him with bananas - even though none were found.[LNB] Flashpoint: El Hadji Diouf is involved in an altercation with a ball-boy at Everton last month, leading to a huge row over claims of racism towards the Senegal striker[LNB]Everton have since demanded a public apology but Diouf came out fighting last night, insisting he is the victim of a hate campaign. He said: 'The media have talked about something that never existed by saying that I am a racist.[LNB]'The proof is that the referee sided with me. Better still, I have not been punished. People can say what they want, but I have a charity in England that helps people. I donate money to hospitals.[LNB]'Am I a racist? I am a desperado and a bad boy and whether in England, France or Senegal I sell papers.[LNB]'They try to find out things about me all the time. But I am mentally strong and they can't hurt me. I get booed wherever I go, but I have never let my fans down. I am the leader. El Hadji Diouf is a star whether you like it or not - everybody knows me.'[LNB]The former Senegal forward, who has never been far from controversy, also warned manager Sam Allardyce that he could seek a move away from Ewood Park in January.He added: 'I am happy for the time being, but Father Christmas could always bring me something new!'[LNB]Diouf recently came under fire from his compatriot Mamadou Niang, who labelled him 'useless'.[LNB]But he hit back, saying: 'I have written the history of Senegalese football. I am the best player the country has ever had. When it comes to ability, I don't envy anyone.'[LNB] Everton hit back after 'outrageous' banana claim by El Hadji DioufDiouf the target of internet death threats over Blackburn striker's 'racist abuse'Police will not investigate Everton over Diouf's Goodison banana claimsI'm the victim! Blackburn star El Hadji Diouf claims that Everton fans threw bananas at himBoost for Burnley as Elliott escapes punishment for Chimbonda clash[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People:Sam Allardyce, El-Hadji DioufPlaces:France, United Kingdom, Goodison Park, Ewood Park
