Tag Archives: protesters

Jacques Villeneuve receives death threats – Canadian Grand Prix 2012

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Former F1 champion Villeneuve receives death threats after hitting out at protestors

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UPDATED:

08:46 GMT, 9 June 2012

Jacques Villeneuve is understood to have received death threats in the wake of a tirade against Montreal's protesting students.

Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula One world champion, waded into the furore surrounding the protesters, who have used the sport's arrival in town as a chance to make their voice heard.

On Thursday night 37 arrests were made by police as demonstrators embarked on a nude march as part of a three-month long campaign to oppose the Quebec government's proposed hike in tuition fees.

Speaking his mind: Villeneuve, pictured with Michael Schumacher, is unhappy with the protestors

Speaking his mind: Villeneuve, pictured with Michael Schumacher, is unhappy with the protestors

The protests escalated when an emergency law was introduced last month allowing police the power to clamp down on any unauthorised gathering, resulting in nearly 3,000 arrests overall.

Montreal, one of the most popular venues on the calendar as the city embraces the sport, has this week become over-run by police.

As protesters attempted to disrupt a cocktail party on Thursday night to herald the F1 weekend, Villeneuve typically pulled no punches.

'It's time for people to wake up and stop loafing about. It's lasted long enough,' said Villeneuve, this week working as an expert summariser on Sky Sports.

Protest: Students are keen to disrupt this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix

Protest: Students are keen to disrupt this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix

'We heard them. We listened. They should stop. It's costing the city a fortune. It makes no sense.

'I think these people grew up without ever hearing their parents ever tell them “No”. So that's what you see in the streets now. People spending their time complaining.

'It's becoming a little bit ridiculous. They spoke, we heard, and now it's time to go back to school.'

The comments from Villeneuve, a Quebec native and with the track in Montreal named after his father Gilles, sparked a furious backlash.

Aside from a number turning to Twitter to voice their fury at Villeneuve, CBC News reported the 41-year-old had received death threats via email.

With the main streets of downtown Montreal a hive of activity last night as F1 fans soaked up the atmosphere and enjoyed a variety of events, police were again out in force.

It is understood, though, the main focal point for the protesters will be tomorrow's race, with an apparent threat being taken seriously to block the subway system.

The main access route to the circuit, situated on the Ile Notre Dame in the middle of the St Lawrence Seaway, is the Metro.

On Thursday, race organisers were forced to abandan a traditional event for fans, who are allowed in for free and that normally attracts up to 50,000, due to fear of disruption.

Euro 2012: Holland stars subjected to racist monkey chants during open training

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Dutch a target of Poles' racist abuse with stars subjected to vile monkey chants

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UPDATED:

22:35 GMT, 7 June 2012

A major race row has erupted here in England’s host city of Krakow after members of the Holland team complained that they were subjected to monkey chants during a training session.

Holland captain Mark van Bommel slammed the abuse. ‘It is a real disgrace, especially after getting back from Auschwitz to be confronted with this,’ he said.

The Dutch, like England and Italy, have chosen the picturesque city as their base for Euro 2012 and on Wednesday they opened the doors to the public — just as England will today when they invite 3,500 ticketed spectators to watch their session at the Hutnik Stadium.

Chants: Holland had to switch ends after a minority of fans at the Wisla Krakow stadium were heard performing monkey chants

Chants: Holland had to switch ends after a minority of fans at the Wisla Krakow stadium were heard performing monkey chants

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The Dutch are using Wisla Krakow’s
ground and among the 25,000 spectators who attended their session was a
group of protesters, keen to express how unhappy they were that a
foreign team were using their facilities at the Miejski Stadium.

It was when the Dutch players went on
a two-lap warm-up jog that the racist abuse occurred, with witnesses
claiming around 500 fans subjected Holland’s black squad members to
monkey chants. The abuse was said to have been even louder on their
second circuit.

Van Bommel responded by telling his
team-mates to pick up their kit and move to the other end of the pitch
to continue their warm-up.

A report appeared in the respected Dutch daily newspaper De Telegraaf, which UEFA officials responded to by attempting to deny the abuse had happened.

Disappointed: Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk revealed his players were subjected to chanting from a minority of fans

Disappointed: Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk revealed his players were subjected to chanting from a minority of fans

Holland officials keen to avoid a
diplomatic incident so soon after arriving for Euro 2012 were also
nervous about discussing the issue.

But Van Bommel, 35, did not hold back during a press conference with the Dutch media.

‘We will take it up with UEFA and, if
it happens at matches, we will talk to the referee and ask him to take
us off the field,’ the PSV Eindhoven midfielder said.

Not all the Dutch journalists heard
the chanting and, having failed to report it, questioned Van Bommel.
‘You need to open your ears,’ he said. ‘If you did hear it and you don’t
want to hear it, that’s even worse.’

Disgusted: Mark van Bommel (back right) trains with his Dutch counterparts

Disgusted: Mark van Bommel (back right) trains with his Dutch counterparts

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk
supported his captain. ‘At least now we know what we can encounter
here,’ he said before adding sarcastically: ‘Very atmospheric.’

UEFA had attempted to play down the
initial reports, denying the demonstrations were racist. The incident
will be hugely embarrassing to UEFA and the co-hosts.

Only on Thursday Poland’s prime
minister made a symbolic trip in an attempt to show that his country had
tried to tackle the issue of racial tolerance.

Getting on with it: Holland continued their open training session despite the trouble

Getting on with it: Holland continued their open training session despite the trouble

Donald Tusk travelled to the Polish city of Lodz to dine in the home of the country’s first black parliamentarian.

TV footage showed Tusk sitting at a
dinner table as John Godson, who is originally from Nigeria, pointed out
various African dishes being served, including fried yams.

After their meal, Tusk was keen to stress that Poland welcomes people of all races to the tournament.

Canadian Grand Prix 2012: Free day scrapped amid fear of protests in Montreal

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Canadian Grand Prix 'open doors' day scrapped amid fear of protests in Montreal

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UPDATED:

12:03 GMT, 4 June 2012

Canadian Grand Prix organisers have cancelled a free access day for spectators at the Montreal Formula One circuit because of fears that student protesters will try to disrupt the event.

An official statement said there would be no Thursday 'Open Doors' day, an important and popular part of the build-up to Sunday's race.

Disruptive: There are fears student protesters will disrupt the race in Montreal

Disruptive: There are fears student protesters will disrupt the race in Montreal

'Following a serious examination of the situation, made necessary by public disruption threats and the difficulty to measure their precise validity, the organizers came to the conclusion that it is necessary to restrain the access to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve and precisely the F1 pit lane,' it said.

Francois Dumontier, president of the race, said the risks could not be ignored.

When it rains... Last year's Montreal Grand Prix saw showers throughout

When it rains… Last year's Montreal Grand Prix saw showers throughout

'One of our primary obligations is to ensure the comfort and the security of the participants and the spectators, something we will do as we open the turnstiles Friday morning, and again during the whole weekend,' he said.

'Considering the various disruption threats made public recently, the free admission and the naturally open character of the 'Open Doors' day revealed some risks that we could not neglect.

'Under these circumstances, cancelling the 'Open Doors' day was the only action we could take.'

Winner Mark Webber won in Monaco last month

Winner Mark Webber won in Monaco last month

The sometimes violent student strike began in mid-February after the Quebec provincial government announced plans to raise tuition fees.

Tourism is a major source of revenue for Montreal and the race attracted some 300,000 people last year according to the local tourism authority.

This would not be the first time an F1 event has been affected by protesters this season.

Protesters demanded that the Bahrain Grand Prix should be cancelled amid the unstable political situation in the region.

Controversially, the race went ahead and Sebastian Vettel won the race in April.

Mark Webber will be hoping to win back to back races, after his success in Monaco late in May.

Anti-F1 feeling grows in Bahrain as protestors target Grand Prix

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Anti-F1 feeling grows in Bahrain as protestors target Grand Prix

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UPDATED:

07:30 GMT, 17 April 2012

Anti-government protesters in Bahrain
are expected to step up their campaign this week which is set to have an
impact on Formula One.

A demonstration, declared by one as
'a huge rally', is planned for Tuesday in the village of Al Dair on the
doorstep of the Gulf kingdom's international airport.

Volatile: Protesters clash with police in Bahrain

Volatile: Protesters clash with police in Bahrain

It is understood the focus will not only centre on pro-democracy rights, but also anti-F1 as the race returns this weekend after a two-year absence.

On Wednesday, when most F1 personnel are due to arrive, what has been described by a risk assessment group as 'a vehicular rally' is to take place along the two highways that lead up to the airport.

Although the protests appear to be the latest in a long line of campaigns that have taken place since the 'Day of Rage' 14 months ago, the suspicion is the rebels are intent on taking their cause closer to F1 as Sunday's race looms.

Green light: FIA president Jean Todt confident Bahrain race will go-ahead

Green light: FIA president Jean Todt confident Bahrain race will go-ahead

Gatherings are also planned in Bab Al Bahrain in north Manama, and Tubli, a village south west of the capital.

Of greater significance, however, is a demonstration scheduled for Thursday in Manama, which has avoided any unrest of late.

The protesters have so far been confined to the villages, which has prompted many to claim Bahrain is peaceful and fit again to host the race.

For the most part that has certainly been
the case, with the FIA claiming on Saturday security was not an issue,
and the reason why they decided to give the event the green light.

Campaigners are set to step up the protests

Concern: Anti-government protesters are expected to step up their campaign

However, whilst the demonstrations mentioned are planned, what is unknown are the actions of a dissident group known as the Coalition Youth of the Feb 14 Revolution.

The Coalition have previously declared 'three days of anger' over the course of the race weekend, and have vowed to do all they can to disrupt proceedings.

Regardless, FIA president Jean Todt insisted on Sunday there are 'good and secure conditions'.

Todt finally broke his silence on Bahrain following the race in China, speaking to German television station RTL.

Race must go on: F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says Bahrain GP will go ahead

Race must go on: F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone says Bahrain GP will go ahead

Todt said: 'We have spoken… with representatives of the government, with the embassies and with neighbouring countries, as well as with European foreign ministries.

'We have made an extensive examination with a lot of checks. It is clear the grand prix can go ahead.

'There has been some controversy about it, but the FIA is a sports organisation. We are only interested in sport, not politics.'

Despite that, shadow foreign secretary Douglas Alexander has become the latest MP to call for the race to be cancelled.

Alexander said: 'F1 bosses should call off the scheduled Bahrain Grand Prix.

'To go ahead at present risks sending the wrong signal at a time when the authorities in Bahrain should be focused on delivering real reform.'

Bahrain motor racing chief wants Formula 1 to help troubled country

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Bahrain motor racing chief calls on F1 to unite country… but can't guarantee safety of drivers

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UPDATED:

14:42 GMT, 27 March 2012

The president of the Automobile Federation of Bahrain has called on Formula One to help unify his country, but is unable to offer concrete guarantees over safety.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is also one of the 26 members of the FIA's World Motor Sport Council, feels Bahrain will emerge a stronger nation following next month's grand prix.

Last year's race was called off following the deaths of a number of anti-government protesters involved in violent clashes with police and the armed forces.

Boost to the country: Formula One President and CEO Bernie Ecclestone with Mohammed Al Khalifa, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit

Boost to the country: Formula One President and CEO Bernie Ecclestone with Mohammed Al Khalifa, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit

To this day there remain pockets of resistance involved in almost daily clashes with police, with one of the primary protest groups being The Coalition Youth of the 14 Feb Revolution.

Ranging in age from 15 up to 28, the protesters often use petrol bombs, which in turn has led to police turning to tear gas, sound grenades, rubber bullets, and last week, water cannons to combat them.

It means when F1 heads to Bahrain the day after the Chinese Grand Prix from April 16, and for the remainder of that week through to the race itself on April 22, the spotlight will focus sharply on the Gulf kingdom.

'There are disturbances, and they are youths who need to be handled and led in a proper and right way,' Al Khalifa said.

Time to unite: Lewis Hamilton in practice ahead of the last Bahrain grand prix in 2010

Time to unite: Lewis Hamilton in practice ahead of the last Bahrain grand prix in 2010

'They need to know if they have concerns, problems, there are proper channels and procedures that can deal with them.

'They will not achieve their goals by disrupting the lives of family, friends, neighbours, or anybody who comes to the country.

'But then we've had these youths doing what they are doing since 2004.
'There is a small element of society that has unfortunately been shown a way to demonstrate in this form.

'Yes, the events of February 14 last year (the Day of Rage) inflamed matters, but we've never had an issue with Formula One, which has been visiting our country since 2004.

'People keep asking me about Bahrain, and I appreciate their apprehension, but anybody who has been there before and comes now will see there is no difference.

'It is why I'm hoping for the race to come as quickly as possible, just to let this community (in Formula One) see and feel what is really going on in Bahrain.

Good time: Jenson Button won in Bahrain while with Brawn

Good time: Jenson Button won in Bahrain while with Brawn

'I know all eyes are on us, but for me I feel there is a buzz going on in the country to rally around Formula One.

'So my message to Formula One is 'be part of unifying my country'.

'We've had our share of trouble, people have made mistakes, but it is time to reconcile, to move on and come out stronger and more united.'

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone recently suggested if the protesters wanted to make an impact all they have to do is – in a peaceful manner – block the roads to the circuit and delay the race which would get them 'more coverage than they could dream of'.

Al-Khalifa is in agreement with Ecclestone as he can understand a desire to protest, but is also urging it be done without the need to resort to violence.

Al-Khalifa said: “Bernie is right. All they have to do is go through the proper procedures and say 'we intend to do this and this'.

Safety fears: Bahrain officials cannot guarantee safety in their troubled country

Safety fears: Bahrain officials cannot guarantee safety in their troubled country

'We have rallies every weekend that are authorised, so do what you have to do and stand by the side of the road and have your placards. That's no problem.

'I'm happy for them to protest, but be peaceful and orderly, without disrupting the lives of anybody around you. It's their right.'

All it takes, however, is one petrol bomb, for instance, to hit and injure, maim or kill anybody within F1 and the condemnation of Bahrain, and the sport itself for agreeing to attend in the first place, would be universal.

In defence, Al-Khalifa said: 'Any death is unfortunate or regrettable, but no, I'm not worried at all (with regard to any such incident).

'Of course, there are no guarantees in this world. You could be anywhere, even Silverstone.

'All I can guarantee you is you will be as safe as at any other grand prix.'
It means there will be no increase in security either throughout the weekend, with Al-Khalifa adding: 'No, absolutely not.

'It will be life as normal. We've never had any violence towards foreigners simply because they are foreigners or in F1.

'There is no violence towards guests of the country, and I don't think there will be any disruption or danger to anybody coming into Bahrain.'

Blackburn fans to "increase" protests against Steve Kean and Venky"s

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Enough is enough! Blackburn fans to 'increase' protests against Kean and Venky's

Blackburn fans are planning to step up their campaign to rid the struggling Premier League club of their under-fire manager, owners and board of directors with 'increased intensity'.

A section of Rovers supporters have demonstrated against manager Steve Kean and owners Venky's at several Ewood Park fixtures this season.

Outrage: Blackburn boss Steve Kean faces renewed calls to resign from the club's fans

Outrage: Blackburn boss Steve Kean faces renewed calls to resign from the club's fans

The action was officially postponed for the final two home matches of 2011, although losses in those games against West Brom and Bolton saw many fans continue to vent their anger anyway.

Blackburn then enjoyed an upturn in form, securing a 1-1 draw at Liverpool and a shock 3-2 victory at Manchester United, and even though they lost Monday's home game against Stoke 2-1, Kean praised the Rovers supporters for getting behind their team.

However, organisers Glen Mullan and Simon Littler have now released a statement confirming that further protests are planned.

It read: 'The aim of the protests, as from the start, will be about the removal of Steve Kean as first-team manager, Venky's as owners of the club and now the removal of the board of directors.

Under pressure: Kean faces a fight to keep Blackburn in the Premier League

Under pressure: Kean faces a fight to keep Blackburn in the Premier League

'The intensity of the protest will increase substantially.

'As Blackburn Rovers fans we have no choice but to try to ensure we preserve the legacy left by the late Jack Walker.

'While we appreciate that this era is in the past, the failure by Venky's and the current board of directors to build on his legacy leaves fans with very little if anything to cling on to.'

Frustration: Fans have also vented anger towards unpopular owners Venky's

Frustration: Fans have also vented anger towards unpopular owners Venky's

Prior to the postponement in December, Mullan had revealed that communication between protesters and the club had improved, but it is claimed in the latest statement that Blackburn have failed to keep promises on that front.

Rovers, currently 19th in the table, host Fulham in their next league match on January 14, with a trip to Newcastle in the FA Cup to come before that this weekend.

Blackburn fans won"t protest at Ewood Park

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Truce! Kean gets some respite as Blackburn”s rebel fans agree to stop protests at Ewood

There will be no organised protests at Blackburn”s next two home games, it has been confirmed.

With the club struggling near the foot of the Barclays Premier League, a section of Rovers supporters have been demonstrating against manager Steve Kean and owners Venky”s at several Ewood Park fixtures this term.

Banner ban: Blackburn Rovers fans have agreed to postpone protests for two games

Banner ban: Blackburn Rovers fans have agreed to postpone protests for two games

Reason to be cheerful: Steve Kean has failed to win over the fans after a disappointing year

Reason to be cheerful: Steve Kean has failed to win over the fans after a disappointing year

However, organiser Glen Mullan has revealed that communication between protesters and the club have improved and the action will be brought to a temporary halt for the crucial visits of West Brom on Saturday and Bolton on Tuesday.

“We are in advanced discussions with the club and we are very, very pleased with the progress that has been made,” Mullan said. “(Ewood Park stadium manager) John Newsham and (Blackburn deputy chief executive) Paul Hunt”s attention to detail over the last couple of weeks has been exemplary.

“There will be no organised protests this weekend before, after or during the game. We are not cancelling the protests, we are postponing them for the next two games, after discussions with the club and with (director of Rovers sponsor WEC Group and Blackburn fan) Wayne Wild as well.

He added, in the Lancashire Telegraph: “We ask everyone to get behind the team for these two very winnable football matches.

“Six points is the most important thing, while we remain committed to trying to open up lines of communication with the club for the fans that can stay there for a long time.

“We want a line of communication that will be permanently open.”