WRESTLING DWARVES GIVE ‘EM SHORT SHRIFT

Charity blasted for jibe at ‘freak show’

A GROUP of dwarf wrestlers have accused a charity of “discriminating” against them.

Some venues have banned the Extreme Dwarfanators after their wrestling event was branded “a freak show”.

The Restricted Growth Association (RGA) said it feared the audience would “poke fun” at the fighters.

But the wrestlers say the organisation has made no attempt to make contact ahead of other planned bouts.

American brawler Michael Colitti, 28, said: “Why are they discriminating against us?

“It’s racist against their own race.

“It’s despicable. What would the RGA rather us do?

“Would they rather see us being dentists, doctors or physicians, because it’s an actual profession rather than us being entertainers because they see us as a comedy act?” Organisers of the wrestling bouts are taking legal advice as they consider suing venues for breach of contract.

The first UK event is now planned for Cardiff on October 18.

The troupe has been contacted by other locations keen to help them fill in blank dates in the calendar.

As well as the

Welsh capital, the Dwarfanators are also due to perform in Swansea and Torquay. Venues in Liverpool, Dorset and Devizes, Wilts, have pulled out. The RGA branded the events “a Victorian spectacle that harks back to freak shows, carnivals and travelling troupes for people to poke fun at those with disabilities”.

The fighters can earn up to £45,000 a year. But Derec Pemberton, 30, who goes by the name Little Riddle in the ring, said the wrestlers do not get paid if shows are cancelled. He said: “If it was watered down that would also be discriminatory.

“They (the RGA) think it’s bullying and I can understand some parents who might have gone through dwarfism as kids don’t want their children persecuted.

“But by sheltering people, it doesn’t help anything.”

He added: “I love the fans in the UK, and whether they support us or not I still love you.”

Michael, known as Woodpecker in the ring, added: “It is extreme, not watered down – the same as (professional wrestling promoters) WWE.

“The younger generation need to be able to stand up for themselves and protect what’s right.”

Both wrestlers have been “performing and entertaining” since they were schoolboys and called on the RGA to come to one of their shows so they can “see it for themselves”.

The RGA was contacted for comment.