AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin has recently touched on the recent events that have marred the football fraternity in his native country including racism and the infamous kiss.
Spain’s FA president Luis Rubiales was recently forced to resign after the controversy over his kissing player Jenni Hermoso. The incident took place after the Spain women’s team beat England in the FIFA World Cup final in August.
La Liga has also been under immense pressure to combat racism following many incidents that have affected some black players. Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr has been subject to racist abuse in recent times.
PABLO FRANCO MARTIN ON WHAT HAS GONE WRONG IN SPANISH FOOTBALL
“We have a problem in our country right now,” said Martin.
“First of all what we have achieved is unbelievable, we won the Men’s World Cup here in South Africa and the Women’s World Cup for the first time. But instead of celebrating and giving respect to the ladies that they deserve, we are more focused on polemics.
“It doesn’t mean the president didn’t make a mistake, he made a huge mistake and as a president of royal football, you can’t behave like that,” he said.
“You need to control yourself, you are not a player or a coach. We can not justify what he did but what I can tell you is that we have a problem as a country. We are more focused on these polemics than the good achievements than give respect to the Women for their achievements.
“That was unbelievable, the first time in history and no one is talking about that anymore. Football is such a powerful thing in our country because everything is related to football.”
AMAZULU FC COACH TOUCH ON RACISM
“Many people with many interests are trying to take advantage of football just for politics or their interest. Some groups want to have a minute of fame on TV through football and I don’t think we are a racist country. But you know what happened last season, especially with one player at Real Madrid [Vinicius Jr.].
“So, the image of our country is getting worse and worse. Some people still have this mindset of taking advantage of these moments. Instead of now talking about how good Spain is, we are talking about racism and lack of respect for women.”
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