|
|
Diego Maradona not surprised by FIFA president Sepp Blatter's racism comments
Argentine legend Maradona slammed the FIFA supremo Blatter for his dismissive comments on racism, claiming action needs to be taken.
Nov 19, 2011 12:35:00 AM
By Ben Somerford
Getty
Argentine legend Diego Maradona has asked for action against FIFA president Sepp Blatter after Blatter's comments about racism earlier this week.
The FIFA supremo sparked controversy when he said that racism wasn't an on-field problem and claimed that any such remarks during matches should be forgotten with a handshake at the end of the contest.
The comments attracted widespread condemnation, with Maradona the latest to join the chorus.
"Blatter has made many mistakes before. Whether decisions or the things he's said, it's not the first time," Maradona told reporters in UAE ahead of his club Al Wasl's clash with Al Ain.
"Usually the mistakes he makes are not in the favor of the game. It's not surprised me that he's said something like this."
Maradona added: "Racism is unacceptable and Sepp Blatter and FIFA have to take action immediately because the effects are very bad on the game and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Why don't they take action against him?"
The FIFA supremo sparked controversy when he said that racism wasn't an on-field problem and claimed that any such remarks during matches should be forgotten with a handshake at the end of the contest.
The comments attracted widespread condemnation, with Maradona the latest to join the chorus.
"Blatter has made many mistakes before. Whether decisions or the things he's said, it's not the first time," Maradona told reporters in UAE ahead of his club Al Wasl's clash with Al Ain.
"Usually the mistakes he makes are not in the favor of the game. It's not surprised me that he's said something like this."
Maradona added: "Racism is unacceptable and Sepp Blatter and FIFA have to take action immediately because the effects are very bad on the game and should be dealt with as soon as possible.
Why don't they take action against him?"
Follow Goal.com on 
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's 
page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.