Memory has been jigged afresh about a brush with racism that former Super Eagles’ captain, Joseph Ikpo Yobo once had during his days with Everton of England, as a player that was on the opposing side in that match against Newcastle United has revisited the controversial day, megasportsarena.com reports.
With the whole world currently agog with anti-racism protests and support for Black Lives Matter movement, former Newcastle and England national team midfielder, Kieron Dyer has used the mood of the moment to express regrets over how he defended then teammate, Emre Belozoglu from allegations of racism against Yobo.
Emre was charged with using racially aggravated language towards Yobo during an EPL match on December 30, 2006 but, while the Nigerian star did not hear what the Turkish midfielder said at that time, two of his teammates, goalkeeper Tim Howard and central defender Joleon Lescott accused their opponent of racist abuse.
Amazingly, though, Emre was cleared in March 2007 and Dyer has now confessed, on hindsight, that he is still uncomfortable with how he was used as part of his teammate’s defence, as it was reckoned that the testimony of a black player would stand better against Yobo’s word.
Dyer told The Kick Off: “There was a time at Newcastle, we played Everton away and we had Emre and there was a massive skirmish with him and Yobo, and they were trying to get to him in the tunnel. I’ve never seen Joleon so mad.
“They reported it to the referee and there was a big, massive FA hearing. Because I was on the pitch and probably because I was black, Newcastle asked me to go as a witness to Emre. I went and I had to tell the truth, which was I didn’t hear anything racist. I told my side of the story.
“The more I think about that, just from Joleon’s reaction, he wouldn’t go mad for that and knowing what I do now and maturing, I really regret going to that hearing. Even though Emre was on my team, even though I didn’t hear nothing. You don’t have that reaction for nothing.”
