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Friday, October 17, 2008

Barcelona striker Thierry backs Eng:Madrid come back




Barcelona striker Thierry sees no reason why England should not play a friendly against Spain at Real Madrid's stadium, the Bernabeu.

England's last trip there in 2004 saw Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips suffer racist abuse from the crowd.

The Football Association are keen not to play there but Henry said: "You have to stop violence, but I don't see why it can't be played."

Henry was the subject of racist comments by a former Spanish coach.

Luis Aragones, who was in charge of the Spanish team when England played in the Bernabeu four years ago, was fined £2,060 for making racist remarks about the French striker.

But the former Arsenal forward said he could see no problem with England returning to the Bernabeu despite the previous problems which led to the Spanish Football Federation being fined £44,750.

"Supporters only have to be animated without insulting anyone," Henry said.



"A game of football is a game of football and nothing more, without political or religious opinions.

"It is a question of education and there are some people who don't have any."

England coach Fabio Capello was twice in charge at Madrid before he took his current role and has said he would like to return to the Spanish capital with England.

"I don't decide where England play, it's a decision of the English federation which they will have to agree with the Spanish," he said.

However England players Steven Gerrard and Matthew Upson have both said they would prefer not to play at the Bernabeu.

Only last month England striker Emile Heskey was racially abused during England's 4-1 victory against Croatia in Zagreb.

Croatia were fined £15,000 by Fifa for the behaviour of their

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