Irvine: Lewis should just ignore abuse

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Friday 14th November 2008

Eddie Irvine has downplayed the racist abuse directed at Lewis Hamilton, saying the 2008 Champion should just ignore it.

Earlier this year Hamilton was abused by Spanish fans at a Barcelona test, while the days leading up to the season finale saw a Spanish website dedicated to jinxing his title hopes.

The website was condemned by those in the paddock with Hamilton's father Anthony revealing the full extent of what his son had to endure this season.

However, some in the paddock, such as Bernie Ecclestone downplayed the abuse, saying it was "probably meant as a joke".

And although Irvine doesn't agree that it's a joke, he reckons Hamilton needs to just ignore it.

"The world is full of people who are racists and we are never going to change that," the 43-year-old told his Virgin Media column.

"The world is full of people who like black people and people who like white people. Who cares?

"They can do what they want on the internet as long as they physically don't hurt anyone. I'm a big believer in 'sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me'.

"Call me what you want, I don't give a damn, leave it at that."

Your Comments

triumphken

"Actually lugman99 Hamilton did not make any comments about it untill the press/media picked up the story and blew it out of all proportion as usuall, good on Lewis for maintaining his dignity and showing up a few narrow minded bigots."

karim

"it is sad that this things still happens at our time!beniah,its not Lewis nor was it Eddie who created that web site!unfortunet 4 those spanish who are not racists bt we know what spanish are!they did the same to Samuel Etoo!its a shame that a guy like Beniah compomises that regardless to what team u support!shame on evry racist!!!"

silverfox

"People keep bringing up the racist incidents not Lewis. The media keep asking people involved in F1 about the racist incidents not Lewis. As far as I am concerned Lewis has moved on from it, he has moved on. Time for the media to let go."

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