FIFA president Sepp Blatter has sparked anger by appearing to suggest footballers who are racially abused should rise above it, shake hands and accept it's just part of the game.
The backlash against Blatter's words has caused FIFA to issue a statement denying their president is complacent or in any way condoning of racism. Their choice of image appears to owe much to the "Some of my best friends are black" school of Public Relations:
Beyond the choice of accompanying picture, the statement drafted by, or perhaps more likely on behalf of Blatter does little to clear things up:
"My comments have been misunderstood. What I wanted to express is that, as football players, during a match, you have "battles" with your opponents, and sometimes things are done which are wrong. But, normally, at the end of the match, you apologise to your opponent if you had a confrontation during the match, you shake hands, and when the game is over, it is over."
So he is saying that racial abuse that happens during the game should be forgiven if the offending racist offers a handshake at the final whistle. Glad he cleared that up.
Interestingly, the Daily Mail has joined in the chorus of criticism for Blatter, despite publishing an article last month in which writer Steve Doughty made it clear he does believe victims of racism should "put up with it and get on with the game".
Comments