RSS
ATOM
advertisement
Chivas' Pineda: They Made Us Feel Like Lepers
Chileans were not too kind nor sympathetic to Chivas players' plight regarding the swine flu outbreak in Mexico.
Apr 29, 2009 3:48:10 AM
With the disease reaching pandemic proportions, Chileans were not at all welcoming nor sympathetic to Chivas' plight.
Chivas players Gonzalo Pineda and Hector Reynoso said they encoutnered unfriendly Chileans while out at a local marketplace in Viña Del Mar, site of Chivas' Copa Libetadores match against Everton on Wednesday.
"They made us feel like lepers and I don't think it was necessary," Chivas' Gonzalo Pineda said.
Although Chivas players are used to heckling and jeers, those are typically raining down on players from the stands at opposing teams' venues. Shopping for souvenirs is not a typical place to fac criticism but Pineda and Reynoso had to endure a hostile environment.
"It made us feel bad," Pineda said. "When we went to the marketplace, everyone covered their mouths when they'd see us pass by. They didn't want to get near us. They'd pass by and turn their heads or they'd say 'Here come the Mexicans, they're going to infect us.'"
The swine flu outbreak in Mexico has claimed more than 150 lives and infected more than 2,000 others, according to reports. In the span of several days, cases have sprung up across the globe as swine flu has infected people in Canada and New Zealand, Scotland and the United States.
Chile, however, have had not reported cases, but that does not mean Chivas players have not heard about the outbreak while in South America.
"You turn the television on and all you hear about is the flu and Mexico is mentioned a lot," Reynoso said.
Even though Mexico has been the source of the swine flu, Reynoso said they were unfairly targeted.
"It's almost like a type of discrimination and even to an extent sort of like racism," Reynoso said. "I think it was because of some misinformation as well as too much information about the matter," Reynoso said.
While the players were ridiculed and harassed, in the end the purpose of the trip was to play a Copa Libertadores match.
"The people at the marketplace got out from in front of us, they covered their mouths, they ridiculed us, they laughed at us a little but in the end we knew that sort of situation was possible," Reynoso said. "But we know what we came here for was to play football."
Goal.com
For more coverage of Chivas de Guadalajara, visit Goal.com's Mexican Football section!
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
4 Comments
Advertisement
Inside Goal.Com
-
ISOLA: Roma's De Rossi smart to remain with one club for career
De Rossi has a chance to build a lasting legacy at Roma similar to NBA veterans Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, who have never switched teams.
-
RANKINGS: Torres breaks into the top 10 as Altidore drops out
The Pachuca midfielder is back on form, and with many of the USA's top players struggling, he breaks into the top 10.
-
COHEN: Has the game of soccer lost its human decency recently?
Between recent allegations of racism in England and the death of dozens in Egypt, Steven Cohen wonders where the humanity is in soccer.
-
DEMPSEY'S DIARY: Things changed with family now with me in England
In another diary entry for Goal.com, the U.S. international and Fulham midfielder talks about how his family life in London and explains why he decided to join Twitter.
-
VERTELNEY: Le Toux trade creates attacking surplus in Vancouver
With a huge surplus of attacking players, the Whitecaps are likely not through making moves
Advertisement
Advertisement
