Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea receive apology over Yossi Benayon in Malaysia
The Malaysia Football Association have apologised to Chelsea following the London club's complaint over anti-semitic abuse directed at midfielder Yossi Benayoun.[LNB]But the statement from the Malaysian FA plays down the incident which saw the Israel international jeered every time he touched the ball during a recent friendly in Kuala Lumpur.[LNB]'The FA of Malaysia would like to strongly register that we do not condone any form of racism in football,' the statement read. [LNB] Abuse: Yossi Benayoun (right) was booed every time he touched the ball[LNB] 'If such an incident did happen we would like to apologise to the player concerned and also to Chelsea FC. [LNB]'From our initial observations, if such an incident took place, it would have involved a small section of spectators at the match. This surely does not reflect the feelings of the majority of fans in this football-loving country.'[LNB]Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and has no diplomatic ties with Israel. [LNB]The Israeli was barracked every time he touched the ball during the game against a Malaysia XI watched by 84,980spectators at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last Thursday and agencyreports from the region immediately after stated it was anti-semitic innature.[LNB] Target: Benayoun (right) has played a key role in Chelsea's pre-season[LNB]When briefing the media after the match, Chelsea suggested the abuse was a consequence of a bad tackle by the Blues midfielder but after reviewing the incident fully, the London club subsequently decided to lodge a formal complaint.[LNB]They then released a strongly worded statement concerning the alleged incidents. [LNB]'We believe Yossi was subjected to anti-semitic abuse by a number of supporters at the game,' the club said. 'Such behavior is offensive, totally unacceptable and has no place in football.' [LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEChelsea make official complaint to Malaysia FA over anti-Semitic abuse directed at BenayounChelsea star Benayoun racially abused by fans in friendly win over a Malaysia XI All the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion [LNB]
