Blackburn angry at McCarthy race jibes

(AFP)
Updated: 2006-10-20 16:34

KRAKOW, Poland - Blackburn came from a goal down to beat Wisla Krakow 2-1 in their UEFA Cup Group E match but the win was overshadowed by allegations of racial abuse suffered by Rovers' black striker Benni McCarthy.

The English side's boss Mark Hughes claimed that his South African international striker had been the target of racial comments made by the Polsih team throughout the tie.

"Benni was upset because a number of comments were made to him," said Hughes.

"They were of a racist nature. We will speak to UEFA and make it clear to them who we think was involved."

Blackburn had trailed at the break when a Roberto Cantoro drive took a big deflection off Tugay to leave goalkeeper Brad Friedel stranded.

Rovers had chances through Morten Gamst Pedersen and Shabani Nonda.

But they were deservedly level 11 minutes after the interval when former Welsh international Robbie Savage headed in a David Bentley cross.

The visitors then snatched a dramatic last minute winner Bentley was first to react after Wisla keeper Emilian Dolha had made a double save from substitute Jason Roberts and Nonda.

"We're delighted to have won," said Hughes.

"Everyone understands that if you get something from away games you have a good chance of going through."