Football: Gallacher set to fight `racist' claim
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.KEVIN GALLACHER is at odds with Eyal Berkovitch over a red card and an alleged racist slur. The Blackburn Rovers striker is angry that his appeal to referee Peter Jones against his sending-off 10 days ago following a clash with West Ham's Israeli midfielder was turned down by Jones yesterday.
Gallacher immediately rang the chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, Gordon Taylor, and is also consulting solicitors about possible legal action against Berkovitch, who claimed to have been elbowed in the eye by the Scot.
Berkovitch's claim about an elbow being used has incensed Gallacher, who is considering civil action, and is equally angry at suggestions that he was one of three Blackburn players who made anti-Semitic remarks to Berkovitch during the tempestuous FA Cup fifth-round tie.
"I am sick," Gallacher said about Jones' decision not to reconsider the red card. "I am definitely taking steps towards clearing my name on this. I am not going to sit on the fence and take this any longer. I know I did nothing wrong and I know I am innocent. I will miss three and a half games over this and it is scandalous. This is my livelihood. Our season could be badly damaged by the time I get back. It's not right.
"I was confident that the referee would see what happened, that's why I asked him through the club to think again. All I can do at the moment to put this right is go out and settle the score with West Ham in the replay on Wednesday, but after that I have to clear my name."
The trouble started when Berkovitch fell over after a tackle by Billy McKinlay. Gallacher ran over to him and the pair exchanged insults. Minutes later, with the pair chasing the ball across the pitch, the Israeli went down dramatically.
Gallacher denies making an anti-Semitic comment at any time. An Israeli newspaper has alleged that three Rovers players made racist comments towards Berkovitch, but players from both sides have said they heard no such abuse.
The Football Association confirmed that Gallacher will begin a three- game ban for violent conduct this weekend. A spokesman said: "The referee has seen the tape and the result stands."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments