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First image of 'Mo Farah' doll banned from Rochester Christmas market

09:43, 27 November 2018

updated: 20:13, 28 November 2018

A picture of the "unequivocally racist" Mo Farah doll which has been causing controversy at a Christmas Market has emerged.

The small knitted doll was placed next to a group of Rastafarian dolls on the market stall in Rochester castle gardens.

Medway Council has since taken the decision to ban the 'golly' doll, which were labelled as 'Rasta' dolls on the stall.

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A Mo Farah 'golly' doll was on sale at Rochester Christmas Market (5625220)
A Mo Farah 'golly' doll was on sale at Rochester Christmas Market (5625220)

The issue came to light after Labour leader Vince Maple tweeted about an offended resident, who contacted him about the dolls.

In his complaint the resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "There are gollywog representations of Mo Farah and others on sale in the Christmas market in Rochester Castle.

"I doubt the town and council will want to be associated with this.

"Arguments for the innocence of this knitwear are dubious at best; I'm sure you'll agree that depicting black national heroes in this manner specifically seeks to belittle their achievements and is unequivocally racist.

"I ask that greater efforts be expended in policing the wares of sellers in the market."

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