Brendon Santalab

if anyone, including SFC fans think he is as much of a saint as they think he is, they are in for a shock of a lifetime.

 

Still, I'm going to wait for FFA panel and proof before making up my mind on this issue

Gotta agree with waiting for the results of the investigation. Doesn't matter which teams and players are involved, cultural and racial abuse is a serious allegation. It is illegal under both Commonwealth law and the FFA code.

It would be grossly unfair to be either falsely accused or the target of abuse.

Under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, it is unlawful to do an act in public that is:

• based on the race, colour, national or ethnic origin of a person; and
• likely to offend, insult or humiliate that person or group of people.

For those interested in where the FFA stand on this here is an excerpt from the Football Federation Australia – National Member Protection Policy

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/site/_content/document/00001710-source.pdf

Just heard on the news that Brendan Santalab has denied all accusations.... It looks like it's going to be a case of he said (Santalab), she said (Abbas).....

We'll probably never know if Abbas just felt abused, actually was abused, or somewhere in between. Quite frankly, I couldn't care less. This is Australia, the rules seem to be different here. When a girl calls Adam Goodes an ape she is sent to counselling. When an Eddie McGuire does the same it has no consequences. A Paul Gannon can have a fist fight on the pitch an is a hero. Michael Clarke threatening his opponent with breaking his arm does not end up in a police station, but in the hall of fame. Rapists and drug users get TV shows, convicted doping artists get to resurrect themselves as national heroes. Match fixing is of no consequence. Quite outrageous, really, but nevertheless the sad reality of sporting Australia

 

The sports comrade Abbas might want to reflect on where he is, what an aggressive and unfair player he is himself at times, about give and take, and how that fits in with his reglious beliefs. Good for him that he is the kind of guy who always puts up a fight. At the same time he seemingly alway walks in the grey zone between throwing his weight, foul play, or being booked. Same yesterday. I sat in the first row right next to the pitch and had a good view of how he worked Hersi and Polenz. Same applies to Jurman, by the way. I found it hillarious that it was the same player who felt he had reason to complain.

 

Try chess, mate. Or knitting. Or try and take the good and bad of being a professional football player in the country of your choice. Or just wait with the interview for the next day, when oxygene supply to all brain parts has been restored.

yeah, doubt he's got the mentality to be trusted with a pair of big ass knitting needles - other than that completely outrageous comment, great post FCB.

Asked what he said to the Iraqi international, Santalab didn't want to elaborate. "Whatever happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch," he said. "And that's how I've always been, and that's how it is."

 

if anyone, including SFC fans think he is as much of a saint as they think he is, they are in for a shock of a lifetime.

 

Still, I'm going to wait for FFA panel and proof before making up my mind on this issue

 

 

Under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, it is unlawful to do an act in public that is:

• based on the race, colour, national or ethnic origin of a person; and
• likely to offend, insult or humiliate that person or group of people.

 

I'm wondering your stance on the "Habibi Ole Ole" chant. I know it's not a heavily offensive chant, but the underlying tones of it do tick off some of those boxes.

 

 

if anyone, including SFC fans think he is as much of a saint as they think he is, they are in for a shock of a lifetime.

 

Still, I'm going to wait for FFA panel and proof before making up my mind on this issue

 

 

Under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, it is unlawful to do an act in public that is:

• based on the race, colour, national or ethnic origin of a person; and
• likely to offend, insult or humiliate that person or group of people.

 

 

 

I'm wondering your stance on the "Habibi Ole Ole" chant. I know it's not a heavily offensive chant, but the underlying tones of it do tick off some of those boxes.

 

i think our mentality towards that is, if the arabs fans have a problem with it, then we all have a problem with it.

if something is made of our asian, wog or any other race that supports our team then we back them to the hilt. 

if they want to use race to try and divide us they have got the wrong team.

 

 

 

Under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, it is unlawful to do an act in public that is:

• based on the race, colour, national or ethnic origin of a person; and
• likely to offend, insult or humiliate that person or group of people.

 

 

 

I'm wondering your stance on the "Habibi Ole Ole" chant. I know it's not a heavily offensive chant, but the underlying tones of it do tick off some of those boxes.

 

One the goals of establishing the A-League over the old NSL was to make ethnicity irrelevant. I am disheartened by the Habibi Ole Ole, it's pathetic. And I was stunned by the stupidity a couple of years ago of Eddie McGuire's comments "land of the falafel" and "I'll throw myself on a kebab". Mind you, AFL is running scared of football and has been for at least 8 years, so derision from an AFL executive is to be expected.

Aren't we over that crap and the whole "wog ball" rubbish I grew up with? [sigh] Clearly not.

The Fat Pizza Habibi character has its place in a sit-com where there is a very broad range of stereotypes used for comedic effect, and not one is singled out for humiliation. Also there is a flamenco/ belly-dance fusion called Ole Habibi which celebrates Spanish & Arabian music and dance. The phrase itself could be positive.

But "Habibi Ole Ole" fails in its original purpose and backfires. To me Habibi Ole Ole is this side of offensive, because if it were directed at me I couldn't give a s**t if someone thought I was middle eastern, and it is sure puerile. What primary school playground thought that up as an attempt at derision?

It is about the same as painting all Sydney FC supporters as latte-sipping elitists. I just laugh because it is so wrong.

Those supporter groups using Habibi Ole Ole should look at their own racial diversity and stop being hypocrites. And watch out, even though I shake my head now, there may be a core of middle-eastern supporters who start singing it as a badge of honour, the same as my Italian & Greek friends took ownership of "wog" and call me "skip" (even though my grandparents were born on 3 different continents and one parent a 4th). 

 

 

 

 

Under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, it is unlawful to do an act in public that is:

• based on the race, colour, national or ethnic origin of a person; and
• likely to offend, insult or humiliate that person or group of people.

 

 

 

I'm wondering your stance on the "Habibi Ole Ole" chant. I know it's not a heavily offensive chant, but the underlying tones of it do tick off some of those boxes.

 

 

One the goals of establishing the A-League over the old NSL was to make ethnicity irrelevant. I am disheartened by the Habibi Ole Ole, it's pathetic. And I was stunned by the stupidity a couple of years ago of Eddie McGuire's comments "land of the falafel" and "I'll throw myself on a kebab". Mind you, AFL is running scared of football and has been for at least 8 years, so derision from an AFL executive is to be expected.

 

Aren't we over that crap and the whole "wog ball" rubbish I grew up with? [sigh] Clearly not.

 

The Fat Pizza Habibi character has its place in a sit-com where there is a very broad range of stereotypes used for comedic effect, and not one is singled out for humiliation. Also there is a flamenco/ belly-dance fusion called Ole Habibi which celebrates Spanish & Arabian music and dance. The phrase itself could be positive.

 

But "Habibi Ole Ole" fails in its original purpose and backfires. To me Habibi Ole Ole is this side of offensive, because if it were directed at me I couldn't give a s**t if someone thought I was middle eastern, and it is sure puerile. What primary school playground thought that up as an attempt at derision?

 

It is about the same as painting all Sydney FC supporters as latte-sipping elitists. I just laugh because it is so wrong.

 

Those supporter groups using Habibi Ole Ole should look at their own racial diversity and stop being hypocrites. And watch out, even though I shake my head now, there may be a core of middle-eastern supporters who start singing it as a badge of honour, the same as my Italian & Greek friends took ownership of "wog" and call me "skip" (even though my grandparents were born on 3 different continents and one parent a 4th). 

 

Good post Ric.

The problem about banter when it comes to ethnic groups giving each other a little crap is that when it all goes wrong it goes very wrong. A case in point with the Santalab vs Ali Abbas incident. Remember as much as we are a multi-cultural society and all get on well with each other, we are still a product of our family lineage. There has been wars overseas between different ethnic groups and it is best to leave these things over there. A guy like Santalab would have gotten away with making some remarks about Muslims in front of his Croatian family members. We all know the problems that have existed in areas around the Balkans particularly. However in Austalian society things are different. You don't how people will react, and if they react badly a lot of problems come out of it. One of great strengths (multiculturalism) can also be one of our great weaknesses. People just have to be careful what they say because it can easily be costrued the wrong way even if it is a joke.

I say leave the ethnic jokes or remarks alone unless you are confident that you know the people around you well and that there won't be any type of reaction. My personal opinion is that Santalab should have been trying to concentrate on the game and scoring a goal. Whatever he tried backfired on him.

 

The problem about banter when it comes to ethnic groups giving each other a little crap is that when it all goes wrong it goes very wrong.  ...

 

My personal opinion is that Santalab should have been trying to concentrate on the game and scoring a goal. Whatever he tried backfired on him.

 

Agree! When I am overseas I am happy to be called an Aussie and can laugh along when people try do take the piss out of our accent, or imply Australia is decades behind the rest of the western world. Been to the UK? After the last Olympics how much flak did "colonials" take then? And how much do we give back after the recent cricket tests?

In all that we understand there is no personal malice.

I don't know what was said to press the wrong buttons on Abbas. I am only guessing but as a former asylum seeker now Australian citizen Abbas may well be sensitive to a number of triggers.

You are right - whatever it was, it back-fired.

Santalab has denied it so don't sweat it... unless you don't believe in someone you look up to..?

 

and while we're playing what if's

What if someone of the same ethnicity as you is a total toss pot and thinks they should be treated "special" and are a little precious about it, to the point they would drag the game and other players down in an attempt to grandstand based on that ethnicity. ?

 

There's no room for racism in any sport, or life in general... But lets be fair, there's a lot of over reaction to some of this stuff... 

 

I'm not passing judgement on any of this, no one should be. This is the guys reputation and possible career on the line so please let those involved sort it out before jumping to conclusions.

i see your point but i used the 'what if' to make it clear that i wasn't jumping to conclusions, i even said it in a previous post where i said "as i have the same ethnicity as ali abbas if santalab really abused him then i admit it will hurt but i dont know the whole story yet so no conclusions" - 

http://www.westsydneyfootball.com/topic/5390-wanderers-gift-derby-to-sydney-fc/page-3#entry240751

sorry if i didn't make it clear but my main point was he was acting like racism is no big issue when it obviously is.

i personally wouldn't give two sh*ts if an opposition player said it, but to come from one of your own, it will of course hurt if proven true

but again no conclusions

edit: and i agree Abbas didn't handle it well and usually carrys on like a child and is embarrasing, so i'm not condoning any of that mate

i also support santalab through this whole sh*tstorm to make myself clear

I'm sure Ric is a deep cover WSW fan....he been spending so much time here recently and actually talks more sense (as per the Habibi chant) than those folk like Fapman that he simply can't be a ESFC fan. Perhaps it's like The Corsican Brothers, and somewhere there is a WSW fan who talks like he is really a Cove-ite....

I know....bizarre world....

I've read a few times, over various forums, that Santalab alleged that racist comments were thrown his way by Abbas at our home 'Sydney derby'. But Santalab didn't end up pursuing the case. 

I've tried googling this but the current situation is all that comes up. Does anyone know if there is any truth to this?

I'm sure Ric is a deep cover WSW fan....he been spending so much time here recently and actually talks more sense (as per the Habibi chant) than those folk like Fapman that he simply can't be a ESFC fan. Perhaps it's like The Corsican Brothers, and somewhere there is a WSW fan who talks like he is really a Cove-ite....

 

I know....bizarre world....

Oi, Manfred!! Leave Ric alone!!  It was very  impressive that you didn't even comment on his latte-sipping statement a few posts ago..in fact you "liked" his very sensible post... Nice!!   

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/wanderers-striker-brendon-santalab-denies-racism-allegations-from-incident-in-sydney-derby/story-e6frf4gl-1226849679924

So there was at least one witness to what was said according to that article, looks like shite might hit the fan for Santa. I hope he didn't say anything racist or could be end of his career for us witch would be the right thing to do if racism is proven. I will give Santa support and I have Arab mates(WSW members) who have said the same unless this turns out to be true.

From article below

If it goes to a full hearing then witnesses can be called — that may include Sydney FC striker Corey Gameriro who tweeted after the game that he was “disgusted to what I heard tonight!!! #SAYNOTORACISM.â€

I know Abbas personally, I followed him whilst with Iraqi national team and Olympic team, was at Gosford in Iraq's 2-0 loss to Australia, that's the game where they went missing and pleaded for asylum in Australia, if anyone, including SFC fans think he is as much of a saint as they think he is, they are in for a shock of a lifetime.

 

Still, I'm going to wait for FFA panel and proof before making up my mind on this issue

he is a tool to put it lightly, always hated him but we will see what happens, even the worst people dont deserve to have to cope with racism but no one knows what happens i am not going to condemn santa yet

 

http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/wanderers-striker-brendon-santalab-denies-racism-allegations-from-incident-in-sydney-derby/story-e6frf4gl-1226849679924

So there was at least one witness to what was said according to that article, looks like shite might hit the fan for Santa. I hope he didn't say anything racist or could be end of his career for us witch would be the right thing to do if racism is proven. I will give Santa support and I have Arab mates(WSW members) who have said the same unless this turns out to be true.

 

From article below

If it goes to a full hearing then witnesses can be called — that may include Sydney FC striker Corey Gameriro who tweeted after the game that he was “disgusted to what I heard tonight!!! #SAYNOTORACISM.â€

 

He could also just be referring to what he heard Ali Abbas say happened

ROFL, the witness is a SFC player, it must be true!

ROFL, the witness is a SFC player, it must be true!

Maybe need to do similar thing like Zidane when he got a lip reader to collaborate his defence but that didn't hold up with Fifa

I'm sure Ric is a deep cover WSW fan....he been spending so much time here recently and actually talks more sense (as per the Habibi chant) than those folk like Fapman that he simply can't be a ESFC fan. Perhaps it's like The Corsican Brothers, and somewhere there is a WSW fan who talks like he is really a Cove-ite....

 

I know....bizarre world....

Whoa, don't go too far! Let's agree to fight racism / religious abuse, love the derby atmosphere and that Farina is a mediocre coach. Beyond that gloves off!

Seriously, I have followed Sydney FC through thick and thin too long from the first game against Victory to switch allegiances. I live in the inner west where Juventus Del Piero shirts are as common as Sydney FC jerseys. Hence I don't buy into the "East Sydney elite" label. Mind you the espresso round here is pretty good.

I hang in WestSydneyFootball from time to time because its fun to be challenged. 

Am I a self hating arab if I think the "habibi ole ole ole" is hilarious?

Not sure what Santalab said - but it's going to take something foul to change my opinion of him. Something said in the midst of banter in a tense game shouldn't be taken all too seriously imo. 

Theres reports of what he said, & if its true (the exact wording) i can see santalab getting a lengthy ban, theyd make him a somewhat of a scapegoat..

lol poor bastard thats what happens when u get fired up

When it comes to racial vilification or the "Habibi Ole Ole Ole" I guess what people say is true.

Never assume someone has the same sense of humour as you.

The difference between stereotypes and banter is sense of humour.

Theres reports of what he said, & if its true (the exact wording) i can see santalab getting a lengthy ban, theyd make him a somewhat of a scapegoat..

 

lol poor bastard thats what happens when u get fired up

So what is he supposed to have said? When do the FFA hear the case?

Theres reports of what he said, & if its true (the exact wording) i can see santalab getting a lengthy ban, theyd make him a somewhat of a scapegoat..

 

lol poor bastard thats what happens when u get fired up

Knowing the Media/FFA relationship he's already ****ed.

It doesn't even matter that Abbas got in Santalabs ear at the Parramatta derby.

When it comes to racial vilification or the "Habibi Ole Ole Ole" I guess what people say is true.

 

Never assume someone has the same sense of humour as you.

 

The difference between stereotypes and banter is sense of humour.

I think it is a respect issue as well. You can say something to someone and if they genuinely know that you don't harbour any ill feeling or disrespect toward them, then it is easier to take. You see it amongst mates of different nationalities all the time.

However..if a person genuinely believes that someone harbours some hate or ill feeling toward them (and says something provocative) this can lead to problems. Espeecially if there is a cultural difference in the outlook of both people. It's amazing how much context plays a role in the whole thing.

 

 

Theres reports of what he said, & if its true (the exact wording) i can see santalab getting a lengthy ban, theyd make him a somewhat of a scapegoat..

 

lol poor bastard thats what happens when u get fired up

So what is he supposed to have said? When do the FFA hear the case?

Allegedly he called Abbas a F**king Muslim C**t

Innocent untill proven guilty?

 

 

Theres reports of what he said, & if its true (the exact wording) i can see santalab getting a lengthy ban, theyd make him a somewhat of a scapegoat..

 

lol poor bastard thats what happens when u get fired up

So what is he supposed to have said? When do the FFA hear the case?

Allegedly he called Abbas a F**king Muslim C**t

 

Innocent untill proven guilty?

 

so whats wrong with that he is a Muslim and he is a c**t?? that isnt racist that is just stating facts 

 

 

Theres reports of what he said, & if its true (the exact wording) i can see santalab getting a lengthy ban, theyd make him a somewhat of a scapegoat..

 

lol poor bastard thats what happens when u get fired up

So what is he supposed to have said? When do the FFA hear the case?

Allegedly he called Abbas a F**king Muslim C**t

 

Innocent untill proven guilty?

 

Definitely innocent until proven guilty. But if this is proven to be true then Santalab deserves a hefty punishment.

Heat of the moment or not, frustration from the previous derby or not,the reality is that the region we live in and the team we support represents a wide range of nationalities and religions which contains a large 'Arab' and 'Muslim' proportion. As fans of WSW we stand united and cheer as one. Shoulder to shoulder, united we stand can largely be seen at all of our games no matter if you are caucasian, black, asian, muslim, catholic, christian, jewish, hindu or anything inbetween we are all fans.

Still stand by Santa until verdict comes out but in my opinion with everything this club represents, biggotry is not welcome.

 

 

 

 

Theres reports of what he said, & if its true (the exact wording) i can see santalab getting a lengthy ban, theyd make him a somewhat of a scapegoat..

 

lol poor bastard thats what happens when u get fired up

So what is he supposed to have said? When do the FFA hear the case?

Allegedly he called Abbas a F**king Muslim C**t

 

Innocent untill proven guilty?

so whats wrong with that he is a Muslim and he is a c**t?? that isnt racist that is just stating facts

I didnt say anything was wrong with it lol that was just the report i read..

InSantaWeTrust

Did you read that in a news report somewhere?