Blacked-Up Faces, Wigs and Obscene Gestures ... Spain's Vile Welcome to a British Hero

Summary

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WITH blacked-up faces and wigs, it was like a return to the worst racist excesses of 30 years ago. This was the appalling scene that greeted Lewis Hamilton when the Formula One star visited Barcelona for a test session. The noisy group of spectators, wearing T-shirts saying 'Hamilton's Family', turned their fire on the British driver after his season-long feud with local hero Fernando Alonso.

Hamilton was probably expecting a cool reception, but what he got at the Circuit de Catalunya was a sustained hail of racist abuse from spectators that could cost Spain its Grand Prix status. Slogans were chanted at Hamilton, who is blamed for denying Alonso last year's title, whenever he entered the pits. Other drivers were visibly shocked at the relentless abuse, though racism is rife in Spanish football. Several England players were subjected to monkey chants during a 'friendly' match three years ago.

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Extract

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Blacked-Up Faces, Wigs and Obscene Gestures ... Spain's Vile Welcome to a British Hero

Yesterday Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe condemned the latest outbreak and questioned whether the FIA, the spor...

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