Ex-Chelsea striker Demba Ba at centre of China racism row

SHANGHAI: Senegalese striker Demba Ba found himself at the centre of a racism controversy in China over allegations that an opposing Chinese player hurled insensitive comments at him during a match Saturday night.

The former Chelsea forward, now with Shanghai Shenhua, became embroiled in a heated exchange with Changchun Yatai midfielder Zhang Li late in their 1-1 Chinese Super League draw after Ba collided with one of Zhang’s teammates.

Various Chinese media reports said a furious Ba later claimed that Zhang made racially insulting remarks.

In a post-match press conference, Shenhua coach Wu Jingui condemned the incident.

“Later, I learned that a Yatai player used insulting language toward him (Ba). Around the world, it has been stressed that there should be no insulting speech toward black athletes,” Wu said, in comments posted on a team social media account.

“The Chinese Super League has players of many different skin colours. We should respect our opponents and there should be no discrimination.”

Following the match, many postings on Chinese social media as well as news media reports called for an investigation. Ba also retweeted on his Twitter account a posting calling for “serious disciplinary actions” over the incident. — AFP