Mido issues Toon plea

Middlesbrough striker keen to avoid Riverside repeat

Last updated: 2nd February 2008

Mido issues Toon plea

Mido: Taunted

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Middlesbrough striker Mido has called on Newcastle's fans not to target him during Sunday's Tyne-Tees Premier League derby.

The Egypt striker was singled out for abuse by sections of the Magpies supporters during the first meeting between the two clubs at The Riverside in August.

Former Spurs striker Mido responded by celebrating in front of the away fans with his finger to his lips after scoring, and was booked for his troubles.

The Toon Army angrily refuted suggestions of racism after the 2-2 draw, but Mido hopes he is not on the receiving end of more jibes.

Silly

He told the Daily Mirror: "Hopefully we won't hear the same chants again because it's silly and should absolutely be kept out of everyday life and that includes football. I hope we don't hear it again. It's not only about me, it's about everyone.

"If they do start chanting again I'll make sure I keep my head calm and aim to do well for the team.

"It's terrible when you hear people making chants about race, colour, religion or whatever. If you see what is happening now in England you do not normally hear that sort of stuff in everyday life.

"Now people are starting to understand that there is no difference between people and that everyone is doing their best in their own walks of life. There is no difference between the religions and colours and everyone should understand that.

"I wouldn't say that if I do hear it that it would increase my determination or my efforts. I just hope if we do hear it again the Football Association takes the right decisions.

"I will go to Newcastle and I just plan to play my football and I hope to do well and score goals."