RAFAEL BENITEZ and Pepe Reina have dismissed the notion that Madrid is a racist city – after UEFA issued another warning to Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool play their latest Champions League group game at Atletico’s Vicente Calderon stadium tonight. UEFA have told referee Claus Bo Hansen they would support a decision to take the teams from the field if there is a repeat of the trouble that marred the Spanish team’s last home European match against Marseille earlier this month.
Atletico were fined £120,000 and ordered to play their next two home European games 200 miles from Madrid, a punishment ultimately deferred until after tonight’s game.
But both Liverpool manager Benitez and goalkeeper Reina, who were both born in Madrid, are confident the match will pass off without incident.
“We don’t want any problems and I don’t think we will see any problems during the game,” said Benitez. “It’s clear it’s not a problem here. Here is more or less the same as all around the world.”
Reina added: “Racism isn’t a problem and has never been one. Its strange people, mainly in England, are talking about it.
“But I can guarantee that Spain is not a racist country and Madrid is not a racist city.”
Liverpool play their latest Champions League group game at Atletico’s Vicente Calderon stadium tonight. UEFA have told referee Claus Bo Hansen they would support a decision to take the teams from the field if there is a repeat of the trouble that marred the Spanish team’s last home European match against Marseille earlier this month.
Atletico were fined £120,000 and ordered to play their next two home European games 200 miles from Madrid, a punishment ultimately deferred until after tonight’s game.
But both Liverpool manager Benitez and goalkeeper Reina, who were both born in Madrid, are confident the match will pass off without incident.
“We don’t want any problems and I don’t think we will see any problems during the game,” said Benitez. “It’s clear it’s not a problem here. Here is more or less the same as all around the world.”
Reina added: “Racism isn’t a problem and has never been one. Its strange people, mainly in England, are talking about it.
“But I can guarantee that Spain is not a racist country and Madrid is not a racist city.”
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