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'Bernie's comments are totally unacceptable'

Monday 18th February 2008

Bernie Ecclestone is in hot water with an anti-racism group and the FIA after dismissing the recent racism aimed at Lewis Hamilton as a "one-off."

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme, Ecclestone brushed aside the behaviour of a group of spectators at the Barcelona circuit who racially taunted Hamilton during a test session a fortnight ago.

"It was a one-off, nothing to worry about," said the F1 supremo.

However, that's not the opinion of Weyman Bennett, of the campaign 'Unite Against Fascism', who slammed Ecclestone for his somewhat blasé attitude.

"I think these comments are totally unacceptable," Bennett told the Guardian newspaper.

"There should be a clear message that bigotry and racism are not tolerated in Formula One. I think the idea that when people are racist you ignore them is just not acceptable."

Ecclestone also dismissed the FIA's 'Racing Against Racism' campaign, which is set to be launched at this year's Spanish GP, saying: "I don't think it's necessary."

The FIA, though, disagree with the 77-year-old's opinion.

"The FIA has made its position very clear," a spokesman told the newspaper.

"We will not tolerate racism of any kind in our sport and we will take whatever steps necessary to ensure that such scenes of racial abuse are never witnessed again."

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