Blatter seeks racism penalties

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for clubs to be deducted points if their fans are found guilty of racist behaviour.

Last Updated: 14/01/13 at 22:06 Post Comment    Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

Blatter: Wants tougher punishments for clubs if fans are guilty of racism

Blatter: Wants tougher punishments for clubs if fans are guilty of racism

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

There have been a number of high-profile incidents of racism in the last 18 months and there was fresh debate about the issue when AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng and his team-mates recently walked off the pitch during a friendly after receiving abuse from the terraces.

Blatter reiterated his view that other players should not follow Boateng's lead by leaving the field, but he did repeat previous pledges to remove racism from the sport.

FIFA last week ordered the Bulgarian and Hungarian football associations to play a game behind closed doors in response to racism incidents and Blatter believes this punishment should serve as a warning that severe action will be taken.

During a Special Report interview with Sky Sports News, Blatter said: "I think we can never do enough to eradicate all the racism in football.

"We have already tried and you have given, in Great Britain, the best example of how to eradicate violence in football with the modern stadia, with the controls and education that this is the one thing.

"I think a more radical solution would be deduction of points. Deduction of points would have a better impact on that than any other sanction."

Asked for his thoughts about Boateng, he said: "Already to have a match played without spectators is a warning, it's a warning for all the spectators but the situation is now as such, you remember the Boateng problem, running away.

"I made a comment on that and I still have the same feeling, it was good what he has done in order to give this impact by saying 'listen, look at what has happened' but it can't be the solution.

"It can't be the solution because you can never solve any problem in your life, being in private life, in economic life, wherever, by running away.

"This is a good sign, it's a good sign, to now say listen, if you don't take care now of our sport they will do it."

Blatter suggested he will call a "summit" of football's leaders in a bid to find a long-term solution, but did add that players found guilty of racial offences should "be suspended for more than one or two matches".

The 76-year-old plans to step down in 2015 and his last major event as head of the game will be next year's World Cup in Brazil.

England are currently qualifying for that tournament and Blatter insists that too many overseas players are harming the national team's chances.

"You have too many foreigners and not English players, so your national team is not yet, I have to say, is not yet at the level of these national teams I just mentioned," he said.

"If you look to Spain, Italy and Germany you realise that 80% or even more of the players of national team, they play in their own league, and so it is an influence of how many good players you have in your own league for the national team."

Bet with SkyBet  Transfer Specials. Click here to bet.

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

T

he day Tonys hat goes missing for some bantz will be different story altogether..

TheBrestEver
Stoke probe 'banter gone wild'

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

Footer 365

Alan Pardew confident he will still be Newcastle manager next season

Alan Pardew is 'pretty confident' he will stay as Newcastle manager after ending the season with a defeat by Arsenal.

Michael Owen had mixed emotions after his final appearance for Stoke

Retiring Stoke striker Michael Owen admitted he had mixed emotions after his final appearance for the club.

Premier League: Paul Lambert says 'something is happening' at Aston Villa

Paul Lambert refused to answer questions about the future of Darren Bent following Aston Villa's 2-2 draw at Wigan.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved