Sepp Blatter has responded to criticism from Rio Ferdinand regarding the FIFA president’s controversial comments about racism in football and choice of photo that accompanied his clarification.
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Blatter said on Wednesday he believes a racist exchange between players during a match should be reconciled with a hand shake after the final whistle.
His words have led to calls for the Swiss to resign from his position as FIFA president, with PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor among those stating he should step down.
A statement was issued by Blatter on Wednesday evening in the hope of clarifying his comments, and with it accompanied a photo of the 72-year-old standing alongside South African minister Tokyo Sexwale, who was imprisoned on Robben Island during the apartheid era.
Manchester United defender Ferdinand reacted to the choice of photo on his official Twitter account, posting: “Fifa clear up the blatter comments with a pic of him posing with a black man..I need the hand covering eyes symbol!!”
Previously, Ferdinand had contacted Blatter’s account directly, writing: “@SeppBlatter your comments on racism are so condescending its [sic] almost laughable. If fans shout racist chants but shake our hands is that ok?”
Blatter has now responded to Ferdinand via Twitter. He said: “The ‘black man’ as you call him has a name: Tokyo Sexwale. He has done tremendous work against racism and apartheid in Africa.
“We have done several joint activities to raise awareness on the struggle against racism in South Africa. FIFA has a long standing and proud record in the area of anti-discrimination which will continue.”
Ferdinand later replied to Blatter, writing: “@SeppBlatter to say what you said about racism in football spoke volumes of your ignorance to the subject.”