UFL takes stand versus ‘racist’ Clavio comments on Azkals

The United Football League on Saturday bannered prominent signs with the words “Say No to Racism” as a stand against comments made by GMA Network news anchor Arnold Clavio against members of the Philippine national men’s football team.

Clavio has come under fire for his comments last week on the morning show “Unang Hirit” about Azkals members Lexton Moy and Angel Guirado, against whom former Philippine Olympic Committee president Cristy Ramos filed sexual harassment charges.

“Hindi ko kayo ka-kultura, kasi wala dito (points to his heart) at wala dito (points to his head),” said Clavio after a news report on the allegations aired.

“Hindi naman kayo Pilipino, nagpapanggap lang kayong kayumanggi, hindi kayo dito lumaki, mahirap iyun.”

The Philippine Football Federation wrote a formal complaint to GMA-7, asking for a public apology and sanctions against the news anchor, calling the statements “racist, discriminatory, libelous and malicious.” In a statement, the network disagreed with the federation, saying it found nothing racist, discriminatory, libelous, or malicious about Clavio’s statements.

Amid outrage from the local football community, UFL assistant technical director Ritchie Gannaban said that the league was making a statement against Clavio. Gannaban added the UFL felt compelled to take the stand because apart from featuring foreign-born Filipino players, the league also has footballers from around the world playing for its clubs.

Gannaban added that the UFL will continue to promote its “Say No to Racism” campaign in the coming days.

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