Tom Walkinshaw in defense of Gloucester team

By Huw Alban
April 27 2002

Arrows boss Tom Walkinshaw has had to answer many awkward questions in his time in F1, but over the last few days has been caught up in a racism row made against Gloucester Rugby club of which he is chairman.

The claims came from rival team Newcastle, stating that racist comments had been made to Newcastle player Epi Taione. Rob Andrew, the Newcastle boss, is on the record as stating that such comments were made by Gloucester players and supporters in a recent game.
As chairman, Tom Walkinshaw has responded to the allegations in the Sunday Telegraph saying, "Not a single player has said they heard anything racial on the field.

"To date, we have not been given anything by Newcastle for Rob Andrew to substantiate allegations that were made at last week's press conference. As I understand it, no complaint has been lodged by Newcastle either.

"Andrew has a history of firing from the hip when games don't go his way and, having asked for the evidence - which so far has not been forthcoming - you can only be drawn to the conclusion that it was an ill-considered attempt for him to drum up some excuse for Taione when he goes in front of the disciplinary committee later in the week."