By: Zethu Gweva
Disgruntled Buffalo City Metro Municipality Mayor Xola Pakati condemned the appointment of racist Luc Eymael by the Chippa United Football Club.
After Pakati voiced his concerns regarding the decision of Eymael being appointed as a Technical Advisor of the club he was then later dismissed from his duties three days after his appointment.
According to Pakati the city has always worked well with Chippa United and has respected the club’s independence but to appoint an unrepentant racist is unbecoming and deserves the harshest condemnation.
“This is the same person who called black people monkeys and dogs. To have such a person serving in such a responsibility in a club that is the pride and joy for many people in the Eastern Cape, more particularly black people, is an insult. It not only disregards the majority-black support of the club, but it is a promotion of racism and we are quite disappointed at the club,” said Pakati.
The EC Economic Freedom Fighters Chairperson Yazini Tetyana said Eymael is not welcomed in the province, the EFF will not tolerate racism.
“Whether Chippa United is independent, it is supported by our people, we will make sure he leaves our province, we are extremely disgusted by the decision,” said Tetyana.
According to a statement issued by Chippa United Football Club Management, Chippa decided not to continue with Eymael’s appointment, who will proceed to return to
Belgium.
“It is clear that Eymael himself requires further time to clear his name. He has reassured the club that he will, in his capacity take legal action concerning his rights, including the dissemination of the offending media clip through his lawyers.”
The statement added that the club maintains its stance against racism of any form and wish to make it clear it would have not appointed Eymael if the allegations against were validated in any form.
“We are naturally sensitive to the views of our fans, sponsors, the general public and South Africa as a whole and hence the decision. However, we do regret and condemn how a narrative was improperly created, without the proper facts being put forward.”