© EuroFootball.com
In Western media on Thursday, FIFA president Sepp Blatter is being criticized for saying in one interview that the problem of racism in football can be solved with a simple handshake.
Recently, there have been discussions in the English Premier League about racial hatred: John Terry allegedly insulted black player Anton Ferdinand, and Luis Suarez - Patrice Evra.
"There is no racism on the football field, although some words or gestures should not be tolerated," Blatter told CNN. "Those affected by these problems should say that this is just a game and shake hands."
"Man Utd" defender Rio Ferdinand was appalled by these words, saying on a social network: "Tell me those Blatter comments are untrue. Otherwise, I am shocked.
"I feel foolish that football is trying to take on a leadership role in the fight against racism. It seems that this problem has just been silenced for a while."
Amid calls to resign, Blatter rushed to clarify his comments: "I want everything to be understood correctly: I am committed to fighting racism and any other form of discrimination in football as well as in society.
"I was misunderstood. I meant that players fight and compete with each other during matches. What they do in such individual clashes can sometimes be unfair."
