FIFA President Sepp Blatter gave two interviews today in which he implied that racism is an exaggerated issue within football and that racial abuse in the heat of a game should be met with understanding by those who suffer it.
This is a stand alone issue and deserves not to be watered down by the numerous grievances one can legitimately charge against the Mafioso-like steward of world football.
Blatter's comments were yes a journalist's dream and a PR's nightmare but they really did expose the horrifying reality of just how out of touch FIFA is with the challenges facing sport and society - particularly football.
Sport reflects society in many ways and racism is still an issue in both to some extent - yes we've moved on and equal opportunities are a sign of the times - but there is still work to do.
We live in a world where 40-50% of Premiership footballers are now of ethnic origin but the number of notable black managers / coaches can be counted on one hand.
Black English players have been the victims of racial abuse in Bulgaria, Spain and Italy during the last decade - we ourselves are far from squeaky clean - England captain John Terry is currently the subject of a police investigation for discriminatory remarks after all.
Refusing to acknowledge the scale of the issues is one thing - to suggest that black athletes should accept abuse as a result of adrenaline fuelled emotion is on a whole new level of outrage.
How twisted is FIFA logic? Footballer's nowadays aren't expected to dust themselves off after a hard tackle but are allowed to roll around theatrically - but if they're racially, religiously or just homophobically abused they just shake their opponent’s hand!
Football and its governing bodies need a reality check on a number of levels. Maybe technology can improve the game, salary caps might work and the World Cup shouldn’t be won with bribes – but condoning racism?
There are no if, buts or maybes on this – it’s embarrassing.
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