3 March 2005

MADRID-Spain coach Luis Aragones who was fined 3000 euros for racist remarks made about France and Arsenal player Thierry Henry said has been made a scapegoat.

"I have been treated like Islero [the bull that killed the revered bullfighter Manolete]," said Aragones on hearing that he had been fined for his actions.

Under pressure from the Spanish government's Anti-Violence Commission, the Spanish FA (RFEF) finally decided to open a disciplinary case against Aragones.

The Spain coach could have been fined up to EUR 30,000 for what was considered a 'serious' offence, but they decided to fine him EUR 3,000.

The fine is half of what two Albacete fans and an Atletico Madrid fan were fined by the Anti-Violence Commission for racist abuse in Primera Liga matches this season.

Alfredo Flores, the president of the disciplinary commission, justified the decision, saying Aragones had been fined because of the consequences of his words, rather than for racism.

"Nobody on this committee believes that Aragones is racist, nor that he has shown a racist attitude," said Flores.

"We have sanctioned him because his behaviour has gone against public decorum. We believe he occupies an important position as national football coach and that he made an error by making a comment in a public training session."

However, though he still has the backing of the RFEF, Aragones believes he has been made a scapegoat and is not ruling out an appeal.

"I am not guilty, nor do I accept being judged for actions against the image of the sport. I have three or four medals for sporting merit."

"I spoke to the judge studying the case, though now I don't think it's fair and I have to look at the findings.

"I haven't liked one thing about this affair and I do not agree with the sanction. They have looked for a scapegoat," said Aragones.

It had been expected that Aragones, 66, would be fined in the region of EUR 32,000 or even lose his job but he has been fined the equivalent of a day's wages.

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