Players walking off for being racially abused cannot be the solution, says Blatter

Blatter: Players walking off is not the solution

7 Jan 2013 19:30:00

The Fifa chief does not believe footballers leaving the pitch after being racially abused is the right way to approach the issue but says he will find a way to solve the problem

Fifa president Sepp Blatter feels better solutions must be found to fight racism suggesting that Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to walk of the field of play would not benefit anyone long term.

The AC Milan attacker decided to leave the pitch in the 26th minute of the Rossoneri's friendly fixture against Pro Patria on Thursday, after being exposed to racial jeers from the hosts' support.

But although Blatter appeciated the bravery from Boateng, the Fifa president believes there must be some other way to deal with the issue.

"If a player walks off the pitch because he has been racially abused just as the Milan player Kevin-Prince Boating did, it is a strong and courageous signal," Blatter told reporters.

"This has now gone too far and it must not go further, but it cannot be the solution in the long term. We have to find other sustainable solutions to tackle the problem of racism and discrimination at its route.

"Football must not separate people, football must bring people together."

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