Finnan admits shock at racist claim

STEVE FINNAN has revealed his astonishment at being accused of racially abusing Patrice Evra during Liverpool’s defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last month.

Greater Manchester Police received two separate complaints from fans after the controversial Barclays Premiership match, which United won after a dramatic last-gasp winner from Rio Ferdinand.

Liverpool officials analysed a tape of the alleged incident afterwards and claimed there was no evidence to suggest Finnan was guilty of taunting France international Evra, who has struggled since his January move from Monaco.

“I was astonished when I heard of the accusations and I categorically deny them,” said 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international Finnan.

“It was disappointing to read the stories. To suggest I would use racist language is very hurtful.

“I don’t really feel I should have to come out and say I didn’t say this or I didn’t say that, but because of what has been said and written I think it’s important I do respond and set the record straight.”

He added on the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: “I didn’t say what has been alleged. It’s all lies.”

United’s victory was overshadowed by the celebrations of Gary Neville, who celebrated in front of Liverpool fans and was subsequently handed a £5,000 (€7,200) fine by the Football Association.

When the two clubs met in the FA Cup earlier this month, fans were condemned for attacking an ambulance taking Alan Smith to hospital after the England international midfielder had suffered a dislocated ankle and broken leg.

Meanwhile Samuel Eto’o has slammed the Spanish Football Federation for fining Real Zaragoza €8,000 after their fans hurled abuse at the Cameroon striker.

Barcelona star Eto’o tried to walk off the pitch in protest last Saturday, but was eventually stopped by teammates, opposition players and the referee, who persuaded him to continue playing.

Referee Esquinas Torres told the federation’s disciplinary committee, who gave out the fine, that Eto’o was subjected to constant, abusive chants during the match.

At a press conference in Barcelona, Eto’o said: “A severe punishment was needed to eradicate this problem from football, perhaps the closing of their stadium for a year so that they have to play away.”

Eto’o was clearly stunned at the scale of the racist abuse he faced, adding: “It was practically the whole stadium. Is there anything wrong with being black?

“They are stupid, they buy tickets to watch games in which black footballers are playing. I am not the only black in this league. I am a football player and in this fight we must take decisions so that we do not feel uncomfortable.”

Eto’o’s stance was backed by Kick It Out, football’s anti-racism campaign, who described the fine as “pathetic.”

Leon Mann, spokesman for Kick It Out, said the punishment was far too lenient, and has urged the football authorities in Spain to take more drastic measures.