Spanish ex-Celtic goalkeeper leads racism fight

Former Celtic goalkeeper Francisco Sanchez Broto has blamed Spain coach Luis Aragones for the racism row which has engulfed his country.

Now playing for la liga newcomers Getafe, Broto is determined to restore his country’s tarnished reputation.

Aragones made racist comments in the build-up to his side’s friendly against England about French striker Thierry Henry.

Getafe’s last home game was marred by racist abuse directed at Barcelona’s black players Samuel Eto’o and Ronaldinho.

Monkey chants were directed at England’s black players by some spectators at the Bernabeu, and they were also heard from Atletico Madrid’s right-wing ‘Frente Atletico’ group during their 3-2 win over Osasuna last Sunday.

“After what Luis Aragones said, everything has been incredible,” said Broto, who also played for Livingston and Aidrie during his time in Scotland.

“I have been called from both England and Scotland to be asked how this can be the case. I have been called by the BBC, who did a report on me, and others from the media have also talked to be about the subject.

“It’s obvious it’s not the case that Spain is racist: both in football and in society in general, foreigners are accepted and I think things have been blown out of proportion.”

However, Sanchez Broto is going to join the fight against racism by using his website ‘soloporteros’.

“In the face of what has been happening recently in our football grounds and the social outcry it has provoked, ‘soloporteros’ wants to raise awareness of the problem and to do this I want to make a proposal that all of the goalkeepers in the Primera, Second and Third Divisions wear all black,” said the message on his website.

“That will show their support for the cause to rid Spanish sport of racism in general and more specifically to rid football of racism.

“This could help us to export an image that is different to that which has been made of the Spanish in Britain and other parts of the world.

“I have spoken to some goalkeepers and intend to speak to more this week so they accept the idea.”