Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

Entertainment Cricket and Other Sports
1

Threatens legal action against newspaper

Woolmer denies making racist remarks against Shoaib

Osman Samiuddin

February 16, 2007

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, has angrily denied reports that he racially insulted Shoaib Akhtar during the infamous heated altercation that took place between the two - and was broadcast to TV viewers - during Pakistan’s second Test victory at Port Elizabeth against South Africa recently.

Woolmer, responding to a report in a Karachi-based daily, Dawn, which alleged that he had called Shoaib ‘blacky’ during the argument, told Cricinfo, “I did not say any such thing to him. I have never and never will abuse any one racially as it is completely against my nature. There reports are absolutely rubbish.”

It might not be the end of the matter as Woolmer has said that he will consult his lawyers and consider legal action against the newspaper. The sports editor of the paper confirmed to Cricinfo that they are willing to stand by the article.

The story also claims, quoting undisclosed sources close to Shoaib, that the troubled fast bowler is seeking an apology from Inzamam-ul-Haq and Woolmer “after being reportedly abused by them during his brief stay on the ill-fated tour of South Africa.”

In case the apology isn’t forthcoming, Shoaib has threatened to take both to court, according to the report, for their ‘insulting behaviour’ during the Test and adds that the bowler is willing to pull out of Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup. Shoaib is currently in London, where he is seeking medical advice on a knee injury that jeopardizes his participation in the tournament which begins next month in the West Indies.

For Cricinfo’s report on the incident, which occurred on the second morning of the second Test, please click here.

Osman Samiuddin is Pakistan editor of Cricinfo

© Cricinfo

Cricinfo.

Another drama involving the spoilt Actor…

Will not be surprised to see Woolmer leaves after the World cup; he probably had enough with jokers and unprofessionals …

2

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

I hope he resigns over this incident.

3

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

Im pretty sure Woolmer wud never do something like this....apne pet pe laath kaun maarta hai aise!

4

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

In the heat of the moment, you never know. It's all possible.

5

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

Well, Bobby isnt in this gig out the goodness of his heart doing a big favor to Pak cricket, he is being paid more than adequately. I dont know that there is enough info out on this incident to straightwaway assume (one way or the other) who is the right. So it all comes down to who you are predisposed to favor. Personally, I dont see why Shoiab couldnt be telling the truth here.

6

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks


Woolmer is not going to stay another minute in Pakistan the moment we lose whatever there is left to be lost in the World Cup.

Bob Woolmer is done with Pakistan, and so is Shoaib Akhtar. As much as I have supported him in the past, the current scene does not blend in, at all.

Winning or losing does not matter. Things such as these are secondary. What matters first and foremost is, the behavior and attitude of those representing me and you. Nobody is indispensible. Nobody.

7

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

Dhobi bhai aap nay dil per pathar rakh kar itna saab kuch likh diya, nicely written and very well said :k:

I have one question … Has Pakistan team ever left in sync or harmony before this prestigious event, Honestly I can’t recall since 92’ even we won that?

8

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

I personally don't like Woolmer anymore. Specially with all his hunger for money he is helping friends to come over to Pak and teach Pakistanis how to jump in the filed and get paid his friends for loads of money. I really don't like him anymore plus I don't see any difference in the team what he is offering or teaching the players that they can't even correct themselves.

9

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

When I start to think of ending series of controversies surrounding Pakistani cricket, I find myself on the wrong side of belief. According to one article in DAWN, Bob Woolmer calls Shoaib Akhtar “BLACKIE”. Woolmer becomes so enraged that he is thinking to take legal action against Dawn. On the other hand, the editor in chief of DAWN does not back down from the article and be ready for any lawsuit.
I suspect the timing of the article. Why does it appear at the end of so ill-fated South African tour? The role of mainstream media in the modern world is so negative and subjective that sometimes, I think twice to believe any story. Most of the news are based on rumors rather than real hardcore facts. Recently, the failed-doping test rumors appear in Indian newspaper-DAILY. DAWN may be playing with negative thoughts of Pakistani public about Bob Woolmer and Pakistani cricketers after South African tour. Bob Woolmer is a professional coach and has vast experience in cricket world. Before last year tour of England, Pakistan was progressing very well. Remember Pakistan is ranked third in both Test and ODI cricket official ranking.

10

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

Indeed Taj, anytime Pakistani media write something, you should think twice, however as for Woolmer, I agree he is a true professional BUT for the amount of $$$ he is being paid for his services, well I don't see a big turn-around, maybe lack of application, maybe he wasn't getting through the players. Can you answer me when he first got the job he said the main problem for Pakistan is their Opener's *Has he solved it?

*No doubt, Pakistan was 3rd in ICC ranking, were they consistent?

So my friend is he really worth it? Maybe.

Bottom line is he could have or can do a better job.

pettiness
11

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

Looking at the level of professionalism in Pakistani players, mostly due to lack of communication with foreign coaches, I don't see any point in having foreign coach except foriegn coaches statement echo more in the western media especially when PAK team is under the microscope all the time. For instance in Hair saga, Woolmer presence help convince west that Pakistani team was innocent, otherwise despite all the fact World might have declared Pakistan bowlers as cheaters.

Other than this foriegn coach in case of Pakistan is only making money and can't change a bit in Pakistani players. It is not that they (foreign coaches) doesn't have skills, rather it is because of their will and Pakistani player lack of quest for learning.

In brief, foriegn coach can't improve or change Pak team performance rather could help improve PAK team image. For performance, PAK need a captain like Imran, and dedicated players like Miandad, Yousaf, Younis and to some extent Rana. With a selfish captain like Inzi, and players like Akhtar and Asif, teams can't win consistently, when these guys wait for their opportunities and then make their wars.

Whenever, Inzi give a statement like "We need Akhtar and Asif to win this WC", indirectly it is coming that he is asking PCB that for the team discipline they should not send Akhtar with the team, and now Akhtar knowing that WC is a mega event and PAK needs him, so coming out with demand of apologize from Inzi and Bob, or otherwise he wouldnt play WC.

I will ask Akhtar: "Do you play for Inzi or Bob? or Do you like to make name for Pakistan?"

12

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

When I start to think of ending series of controversies surrounding Pakistani cricket, I find myself on the wrong side of belief. According to one article in DAWN, Bob Woolmer calls Shoaib Akhtar BLACKIE. Woolmer becomes so enraged that he is thinking to take legal action against Dawn. On the other hand, the editor in chief of DAWN does not back down from the article and be ready for any lawsuit.

I suspect the timing of the article. Why does it appear at the end of so ill-fated South African tour? The role of mainstream media in the modern world is so negative and subjective that sometimes, I think twice to believe any story. Most of the news are based on rumors rather than real hardcore facts. Recently, the failed-doping test rumors appear in Indian newspaper-DAILY. DAWN may be playing with negative thoughts of Pakistani public about Bob Woolmer and Pakistani cricketers after South African tour. Bob Woolmer is a professional coach and has vast experience in cricket world. Before last year tour of England, Pakistan was progressing very well. Remember Pakistan is ranked third in both Test and ODI cricket official ranking.

Lets suppose that this happens. Then calling someone racist by using BLACKIE slang for someone is outrageous. In Pakistan, the word RACISM is very novice. The relationship between RACISM and any slang word is hardly imagined as we, as a society in Pakistan, use slangs more than often and call everyone with funny names. People express joy, wittiness, and fondness with these slangs. Shoaib Akhtar, being the member of this society, should consider it humorous. I think that he might be upset by calling him BLACKIE and not BROWNIE

13

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

My comment would be against the Dawn newspaper. Though it has a good reputation but owing to some black sheeps, yellow journalism can seep in.

Bob Woolmer might have called Shoaib blacky, but that in my opinion must have not been in the racist sense. Reason behind is that the Europeans dont call South Asians as blacks.

14

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

I agree with Green Bird

15

Re: Woolmer furious over alleged racist remarks

Blacky must have actually meant Black Sheep.