Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino blasted an anti-Semitic banner unfurled by Partizan Belgrade fans as "unacceptable" and "disrespectful" after European football was again embroiled in a racism row
Partizan Belgrade's supporters display an antisemitic banner during the UEFA Europa League match against Tottenham in Belgrade on Thursday. The club is certain to face UEFA heat. Pic/Getty Images.
Paris: Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino blasted an anti-Semitic banner unfurled by Partizan Belgrade fans as "unacceptable" and "disrespectful" after European football was again embroiled in a racism row.
Partizan Belgrade's supporters display an antisemitic banner during the UEFA Europa League match against Tottenham in Belgrade on Thursday. The club is certain to face UEFA heat. Pic/Getty Images.
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A huge banner bearing the words “Only Jews and P*****S” was displayed throughout Thursday’s Europa League match between the two teams in the Serbian capital.
“I didn’t see but the club is aware. And if it is true, that it is very disrespectful,” Pochettino told the British media after the game which ended in a 0-0 draw. North London club Tottenham have long enjoyed close links with the Jewish community.
Pochettino
“It is a shame as it was a great atmosphere. It is very disrespectful, unacceptable and a massive problem for us.” Partizan were kicked out of the UEFA Cup in 2007 for hooligan-related problems and the club is certain to face more sanctions following this incident.
Ten changes
On the pitch, Tottenham, in their fourth Europa League campaign, made no fewer than 10 changes from the side that drew with Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris the only survivor.
Harry Kane almost gave the north Londoners a dream start to their bid to get out of Group C, his first minute attempt hitting the bar. But despite looking dangerous on occasions Tottenham lacked the killer touch and were unable to find a way through Partizan’s defence.
Everton win
Everton marked their first appearance in Europe since 2009-10 with a 4-1 win over Wolfsburg. The Merseysiders were ahead after just 15 minutes at Goodison Park.
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