BRUSSELS – Footballer Michaël Lacroix (21) of second division KVK Tienen has lodged an official complaint against referee Dimitri Godart for racist remarks. The player claims that Godart made racist comments to him this weekend. Robert Jeurissen, president of the central committee of referees, says that this is the first time that a criminal complaint of racism has been brought against a referee.

Tienen lost to Eupen 1-0 on Saturday. After the conclusion of the match, on the way to the changing rooms, the referee and Michaël Lacroix became involved in a discussion. The player was given a red card, but Lacroix claims that the referee called him a “sale noir” (filthy black).

“After the match we went to the Eupen police department and filed a complaint against Godart for racism,” says secretary for Tienen Dirk Smolders.

[Copyright Expatica News 2007]

Subject: Belgian news