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On hostile ground

Comment: 0 August 1st, 2011 by: admin

Chelsea were expecting a friendly atmosphere when it played Malaysia’s national team recently.

But it did not turn out that way, especially for Blues midfielder Yossi Benayoun.

The Israeli player got a douse of anti-Semitic abuse during the pre-season fixture in the Muslim-majority nation, prompting Chelsea to formally lodge a complaint to Malaysia’s football federation.

Benayoun was in no-man’s land as he was booed and cursed being the first Israeli to play in the country in recent memory. Malaysia is a staunch backer of the Palestinians and has no diplomatic relations with Israel.

Chelsea said on their website the behaviour shown by Malaysian supporters was ‘offensive, totally unacceptable and has no place in football.’

The complaint seemed to have fallen on deaf ears because the Malaysian association’s secretary general, Azzudin Ahmad, did not give immediate response for their reactions while other officials refused to comment on the issue.

Though stating that it was still unclear as to the nature of the offence made against Benayoun, as other players from both sides also got the same treatment, Chelsea said they deemed it necessary to file a complaint.

After the incident, will Chelsea still pay Malaysia a visit for another friendly in the future? After what happened to Benayoun, do we see a snub coming?

In the meantime, Chelsea found some time to forget the matter as they resumed their Asian tour in Hong Kong.

There, they routed Hong Kong champion Kitchee 4-0 last Wednesday to arrange a final on Saturday in the Barclays Asia Trophy against fellow Premier League side Aston Villa who advanced by edging Blackburn Rovers 1-0.

The final will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium.

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