Surprise deal

According to Friday's Guardian Kosovan refugee and highly promising footballer Naim Uka, who fled to England after his parents…

According to Friday's Guardian Kosovan refugee and highly promising footballer Naim Uka, who fled to England after his parents disappeared, his neighbours were murdered and his home destroyed, was a tad surprised to be awarded a two-year contract by Leyton Orient recently. Why? Well, last month, when he turned on BBC Five Live, he heard these views on refugees being aired: "I think it's disgraceful we let all these people into the country. It's about time we started looking after ourselves. I wouldn't have one of them in." And who opined in such a thoughtful manner? One Barry Hearn . . . chairman of Leyton Orient. Then again, Hearn conceded he would allow coloured boxers stay in Britain "because they could make me a fortune". A man of principle, clearly.

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Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times