Dutch football match halted after 'Black Pete' chants
The Dutch Football Association has launched an investigation after a second division game between FC Den Bosch and Excelsior was stopped due to alleged racist abuse.
Sunday's match was temporarily halted after Excelsior winger Ahmad Mendes Moreira was subjected to alleged racist chanting by the home fans, including songs about 'Black Pete.'
'Zwarte Piet,' as the racist caricature is known in Holland, has historically been part of the country's Saint Nicholas festivities sagame66 but its use in recent years has drawn protests across the nation.
Traditionally depicted as Saint Nicholas' helpers, the character is usually portrayed by white people in blackface with wigs and red lipstick. On the same day as the match, the city of Den Bosch saw demonstrations from both pro and anti 'Zwarte Piet' protestors.
"We think we have to accept this in 2019," Moreira told Fox Sports after the match. "Of course you would prefer to talk about the game but I am just angry and disappointed that this still needs to happen."
Moreira walked off the pitch after 30 minutes due to the abuse, with his teammates consoling him and then turning to remonstrate with a section of the crowd.