Malaysia apologizes for Benayoun abuse

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia`s soccer federation apologized after Chelsea complained about anti-Semitic abuse directed at Israeli midfielder Yossi Benayoun during a preseason game.

Benayoun was the first Israeli in recent memory to play in Muslim-majority Malaysia when he took the field on July 21. The Football Association of Malaysia didn`t admit the abuse occurred, but said Friday, "if such an incident did happen, we would like to apologize to the player ... and also to Chelsea FC." It said the abuse would have "involved a small section of spectators." Chelsea said Wednesday that anti-Semitic abuse was "offensive, totally unacceptable and has no place in football." Bureau Report