Altidore subjected to racist chants during Den Bosch-AZ

Jan 29, 2013 10:01:00 PM

The USA forward became the latest player to be subjected to racist chanting, as officials from both clubs condemned the behaviour which caused the game to be postponed

AZ forward Jozy Altidore has been subjected to racist chanting during a Dutch Cup game with Den Bosch which was eventually abandoned due to crowd unrest.

Monkey chanting was aimed towards the 23-year-old in the first-half of AZ's 5-0 victory over second-tier Den Bosch on Tuesday evening.

Two announcements had been made to stop the chanting and the club said a third warning would result in the match's abandonment.

Referee Reinold Wiedemeijer attempted to call a halt to proceedings, but Altidore urged the official to continue and later scored to make it 4-0.

But the match was later postponed after Den Bosch supporter's began hurling ice at officials after the team had been reduced to nine men.

Altidore admitted he was disappointed with the abuse, but said he was determined to continue playing.

He told Eredivisielive.nl: "It's a bit disappointing these things still happen in this time. You just hope these people can find a way to improve themselves.

"They have issues and they need some help. I'll pray for them.

"Racism is still alive, all we can do is educate young kids coming up."

He continued: "I feel like I have an obligation to my club and my family to not react to that and show the club stands for things better than that. We had good rhythm and we were doing things right and you have to look at the bigger picture."

Officials from both clubs were also united in condemning the conduct of the Den Bosch supporters.

AZ's sporting director Earnest Stewart hit out at the culprits and said they are tarnishing the image of Dutch football.

"It's incredibly sad that this happens," he told Eredivisie Live.

"It is ridiculous. And all this after the events in recent months.

"The people at Den Bosch are ashamed of this. It's not only annoying for Jozy, but for Dutch football in general."

An official for Den Bosch added: "I'm deeply hurt by these people. I'm ashamed of what just happened. I have no words for it."

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