The FIFA President has seen many people question and scrutinise the current FIFA hierarchy and more so, his tenure as the 8th president of football’s governing body, FIFA. Since his appointment as President in 1998, Blatter’s reign has been nothing short of controversial… and his latest comments regarding the ongoing investigation into John Terry’s racial allegations have caused uproar within our footballing community.
It is unfortunate and quite frankly, disgusting that racial prejudice is still prominent in today’s game. The issue has seen plenty of the limelight within recent weeks as three cases of racial prejudice have been highlighted; something that is rather worrying and very rare. The first case concerned Liverpool’s Luis Saurez and Manchester United’s Patrice Evra. In the aftermath of the 1-1 draw at Anfield in October, Evra issued a statement which accused the Liverpool ace of making racial remarks during the game to Evra. After weeks of investigation, the FA last night charged Suarez with racially abusing Evra. The following is a statement released by the FA:
“It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules.
“It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra.”
Liverpool will of course contest the charges made and Suarez himself will be expected to request a hearing. However, it looks likely that the Uruguayan will face a reasonable ban and fine in addition to any punishment dealt by his club.
With the first case now more-or-less settled, we can now highlight the second issue: which is much the same as the first. This one involved Sevilla’s Frederic Kanoute and Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas in which Fabregas was accused of also racially abusing Kanoute when the two sides clashed at the Camp Nou just weeks ago. This case has been subsequently brushed aside – Isn’t that a shock? – and what exactly happened is still unclear. We do know that Kanoute sparked a brawl between the two sides by forcefully grabbing Fabregas’ neck and forcing him to the ground. But why did he do this? Now, I read on Twitter that someone had caught Fabregas on camera clearly racially abusing Kanoute and in addition to this, Fabregas’ comments were listed in Spanish and in all honesty, it was not difficult to decipher exactly what he said.
In the wake of this incident, Fabregas was quick to deny any such allegations made against him as he declared that he is certainly “no saint” upon taking to the pitch, but he certainly would not abuse anyone on the grounds of their race. However, this debacle was quickly hushed and it strangely has not seen the light of day since. It looks the Spanish FA and UEFA want to protect their beloved team so it is no surprise that no further investigations have occurred.
The latest, and perhaps most controversial racism case also surfaced in October. This one is possibly the most sickening of the lot. The Chelsea and England captain, John Terry, was not only accused of racially insulting QPR defender, Anton Ferdinand, but was also caught on camera during the alleged moment he let a few words he should not be saying slip out his mouth. This incident has been hugely publicised by the world’s media and many questioned Capello’s decision to include Terry in the England squad for their recent friendlies. Capello took the stance of: “Innocent until proven guilty.”
I guess we can say that is all very well, but a matter of this magnitude weighs heavily on everyone’s mind and in all fairness, the consequences tagged with this accusation do not look too kindly for a man that is supposed to embody a leader on the pitch for teammates and kids alike. This incident has also forced the British Metropolitan Police to investigate their affairs in the matter. The situation is not looking too good for the English captain and if/when he is found guilty, I expect to see his captaincy stripped from him… for the second time. John Terry has never appealed to me and this incident certainly did not help either. Phil Jones for England captain?
Now that we have addressed the incidents sparking Sepp Blatter’s comments, we can now share them with you:
“I would deny it. There is no racism, there is maybe one of the players towards another, he has a word or a gesture which is not the correct one, but also the one who is affected by that.
“He should say that this is a game. We are in a game, and at the end of the game, we shake hands, and this can happen, because we have worked so hard against racism and discrimination.
“I think the whole world is aware of the efforts we are making against racism and discrimination. And on the field of play sometimes you say something that is not very correct, but then at the end of the game, the game is over and you have the next game where you can behave better.”
Right… “there is no racism” – sorry, but what? What part of: “Three cases of racial allegations have arose in October.” do you fail to understand, Sepp Blatter? The fact that it happens on the pitch is completely irrelevant and amusing. Yes, tensions can be high and anything can cause a player to snap, but racism is a matter which can not fly with that excuse. A handshake will not resolve it either. Yes, a handshake stands for a lot and it is all very sporting – but we simply cannot consider a a racial spat to be closed if the players involved shake hands come the final whistle. Rio Ferdinand also had a lot to say on Blatter’s ludicrous comments:
“Your comments on racism are so condescending it’s almost laughable. If fans shout racist chants but shake our hands is that OK?” – this was Ferdinand’s direct response to Blatter on Twitter.
“I feel stupid for thinking that football was taking a leading role against racism – it seems it was just on mute for a while.”
Right you are, Rio. We are simply thunderstruck by Blatter’s perception on the ongoing racism row to the point where we have also had enough. He simply must go. We are not the only ones calling for his resignation either as countless players, managers and even politicians have called for his imminent departure today. There is no point in listing Blatter’s innumerable errors and controversies during his current reign as it all too familiar with football fans. It is crystal clear that Sepp Blatter is as foolish as he is corrupt. Your reign is at an end, Sepp.
For those who are unaware of you the recent uproar regarding Sepp Blatter and the racial incidents, you are now duly informed. We keep asking ourselves: “Whatever is the matter with Blatter?” and FIFA must see to it that he resigns and furthermore, the hierarchy itself is purged of any corruption and ineffectiveness. What do you think about this latest scandal?
Couldn’t agree more, sepp blatter is a dictator and his reign should end now.
I couldn’t agree more, Vinnie. The sooner is he sent packing, the better.
That world cup belongs to the U.S., Spain, or England. Qatar was the weakest of all the bids. They have no world cup ready stadiums and Qatar is so dry and hot in the summer players will be passing out on the pitch from dehydration.
Tyler you mean that world cup belonged to Australia, right? Haha. This is such a joke, I can’t believe that terrorists are killing the innocent when this man is the one they should be targetting. As a person of African descent playing here in Australia, it’s impossible not to say racism is non-existent and to say that it can all be resolved with a handshake is totally absurd. Really? After being abused in regards to the different coloured pigment of skin one possesses, how does Blatter expect to react? On the few, rare occassions I have been abused, I luckily have maintained an aura of cool and let my feet do the talking. But as Freddy Kanoute showed, not all footballers are able to let these petty comments slide. And as people payed ridiculous amounts of money a week, they should be have the wits about them not to abuse others in any form (for example in the AFL – http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/patrick-mcginnitys-rape-mum-slur/story-e6frf9jf-1226116333627), as their every movement and word spoke is monitored and observed. So be gone Blatter, before you destroy football for all of us!
Blatter must go.
Oh by the way he’s fucking hilarious! http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2004/jan/16/football.gender
Hey Tyler: yeah, it should have been England’s in all honesty. It’s been far too long. As for the Qatar’s climate… good luck on that one, FIFA!
Ah, one of his many controversies. The man is a laughing stock.
I do understand what blatter is saying. sometimes in the heat of the moment you just try to think of something to say to insult your opponent. Unfortunately it is often their race. I am guilty of it too, because like the pros, i get mad when things dont go my way, and i say dumb things. That doesnt make me a racist, it just means i lacked the creativity/effort to insult my opponents in a different manner. That sounds really dumb and shallow, but its the way i view what is happening. That doesnt excuse what the pros are doing, or even what I am doing, but i feel like being labeled as a racist is unjust. Asshole would be a much beter word.
I know what you mean, everyone gets caught up in the moment, one of my stupidest yellows was for spitting at an opponent after getting knocked down on a header.
I understand what you’re saying Phil, but everyone looks up to the pros, they’re in the limelight. If we take Blatter’s approach, it will jsut allow for more players to do this, and our next generatiions of football players will think of it at totally normal. Fifa needs to crack down on these outbursts, whether they meant them or not they can learn to not say anything if it is going to be racially demeaning.