Sepp Blatter should resign over Kevin-Prince Boateng case, says anti-racism group
Fifa president said AC Milan player was wrong to stage walk-off
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A leading anti-racism group has called for Sepp Blatter to resign after he failed to back Kevin-Prince Boateng in his stand against racist fans in Italy by leading his AC Milan team off the field against Pro Patria.
The FIFA president has again caused upset by suggesting players will feel they can throw games if they are losing by following Boateng's stance and walking off the pitch.
Show Racism the Red Card chief executive Ged Grebby said: "For him to say Boateng shouldn't have walked off shows hows out of touch he is. He should be giving the best practise for our game. He again seems to be saying the wrong things. He doesn't understand what the victim of racism feels like. Until you've suffered it, who is he to say how you should cope with racism?
"We called for Blatter's resignation over his comments with regards to the victims of racism shaking the hands of their perpetrators last year and we are doing it again now.
"Again he has come out with a statement that shows how out of touch he is. The vast majority of fans and players in the game saw the incident as a really positive thing. It has shaken up the authorities in Italy where the level of racism there is something we haven't seen in this country since the 70s and the 80s."
AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi said: "This is an uncivilised problem that needs to be stopped. I congratulated my players for their decision to leave the field during the friendly in Busto Arsizio.
"Teams out on the pitch should set an example of civility and the educational role of football should not be underestimated."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments