Spectre of racism returns to haunt Spanish sport

By Simon Baskett - Analysis

MADRID (Reuters) - It is not the first time that the spectre of racism has visited Spanish sport and the abuse directed at Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton shows the country is still struggling to come to terms with the issue.

The insults made by spectators at the Circuit de Catalunya to Hamilton at the weekend were reminiscent of similar incidents that have marred Spanish sport in recent years.

National soccer coach Luis Aragones hit the headlines just over three years ago for derogatory comments about French player Thierry Henry although he has always denied they were racist.

Large-scale racist abuse against visiting black players took place at a subsequent friendly international against England, while monkey chanting and racial insults went on to become frequent at matches.

Two seasons ago, fed up with the abuse, Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o even threatened to walk off the pitch after being racially insulted by fans in a match against Real Zaragoza.

When the first incidents occurred the initial reaction of sporting authorities was to try to sweep them under the carpet.

But negative media coverage from abroad, particularly in the wake of Madrid's unsuccessful bid for the 2012 Olympics, and the intervention of international federations meant the issue began to be taken more seriously.

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