Armenian footballer says his ethnicity is problem with Turkish coach

[Kalantarian Kevo]

Armenian footballer says his ethnicity is the problem with Turkish coach

21:24 - 09.01.12


Armenian footballer Harutyun Abrahamyan, who plays for the Iranian
club Persepolis, will leave it over a row with the club's
newly-appointed Turkish coach Mustafa Denizli.

Speaking to the Armenian sports news website Armsport.am, Abrahamyan
said that the only reason of the row is his ethnic background.

Abrahamyan reminded that he signed a contract with the Iranian club in
fall in 2010, and because of unsuccessful performance of the team the
chief coach was replaced.

`Mustafa Denizli was invited and by learning that I am an Armenian, he
categorically refused to work with me,' said Abrahamyan.
`He has no right to dismiss me. He simply does not want to work with
me,' said he.

Asked if there is any professional reason for the coach to do so,
Abrahamyan said that the only reason is his ethnicity.

`The only problem for the Turkish coach is that I am an Armenian. He
does not speak about it, but it is clear that there is no other
reason,' Abrahamyan explained.



Tert.am