Racist attack on mosque (UK)

Racist abuse was shouted at worshippers at a busy mosque.

Police were called to Eastern Avenue in Gants Hill after reports of a group of men causing damage to parked vehicles in the road.

Six men were seen heading in the direction Redbridge roundabout towards Redbridge Islamic Centre, also in Eastern Avenue.

As they reached the mosque they shouted racial abuse and threw bricks at the building, which broke glass in the front doors.

The incident occurred at around 7.45pm on Thursday (March 24), near the start of evening prayers.

A number of worshippers had already entered the mosque but there were still some people outside the building when the attack occurred.

One man suffered a minor head injury but did not need any medical treatment.

Six men were arrested by police and remain in custody at Ilford Police Station.

Chief Inspector Stan Greatrick, of Redbridge police, said: “We would appeal for anyone who was in the Eastern Avenue area and saw the group of males to contact us.

“We have spoken to a number of people in the area and continue to liaise closely with members of the Redbridge Mosque.

“We have already secured additional patrols for Eastern Avenue and we would like to reassure the local community, and those who worship at the Redbridge Mosque, that we are treating this case extremely seriously.”

Anyone with information should contact Redbridge CID on 020 8345 2632.

Waltham Forest Guardian

Neymar accuses Tartan Army in racism row (UK)

Brazil forward Neymar accused Scotland fans of racism after claiming a banana was thrown on to the field during Sunday’s 2-0 friendly win at the Emirates Stadium.

The 19-year-old, who scored both goals, the second from the penalty spot, also accused some spectators of racially abusing him.

‘I feel great and scored two but what happened with the banana is sad,’ he said. ‘They were jeering me a lot. This atmosphere of racism is totally sad.’

He added: 'I don't want to make a big deal of it...  I'd rather not even talk about it, to keep the subject from escalating.'

The incident took place as the Neymar - strongly linked with a move to Chelsea in the future - was preparing to take his 77th-minute penalty, his second goal of the game.

Tartan Army spokesman Hamish Husband strongly denied the jeers for Neymar were racially motivated.

He said: ‘The reason Neymar was booed was because we believed he was feigning injury. Any suggestion of racism from the Tartan Army today, as far as I am concerned, is absolute tosh.’

The match was played at a neutral venue and it is unclear whether the banana was thrown by a supporter of either side or a neutral.

Metro