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Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson welcomes apology from Sepp Blatter for racism blunder
The long-serving Old Trafford boss says the FIFA president's decision was "appropriate", and that he has no problem with Rio Ferdinand criticizing the administrator on Twitter
Nov 18, 2011 3:47:00 PM
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is pleased that FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologized for his inflammatory comments about racism.
The Swiss has been widely condemned after suggesting that a handshake would be enough to settle any racial abuse on the pitch, and was strongly criticised on Twitter by Red Devils' defender Rio Ferdinand.
The veteran coach confirmed that he does not have a problem with his player’s comments to the FIFA boss.
“Rio knows the parameters of which we allow him to go and not discuss anything related to Manchester United. So he can Twitter as much as he likes as long as it doesn't affect us. I think Sepp Blatter has apologized and that's fine. I think that's appropriate.”
The Old Trafford chief then turned his attentions to Saturday’s Premier League clash away to Swansea, praising the style of play implemented by opposing manager Brendan Rodgers.
“Everyone's been taken by Swansea and the way they have played, and kept their philosophy of playing attacking football,” Ferguson continued. “We know we have got a tough game but that's the way our league is. We have an opportunity now to get consistency and good form.
“By January 1 we hope we are in the right position in the league which is always an important time for me, always crucial in my diary that we get there in good order at that time of the year.”
The 69-year-old also echoed England manager Fabio Capello’s praise for youngster Phil Jones, who has been hailed for his performances with club and country since joining United in the summer.
“Since he has joined us his improvement has been eye catching,” Ferguson said. “We know he's 19 and we know it's a big step from Blackburn to United, but he's been absolutely fantastic. He can play anywhere. He's versatile, two-footed, quick and has a good perception of the game.
“I'm not surprised by what Fabio has been saying and he can be a really influential player for us and England in the next few years.”
The Swiss has been widely condemned after suggesting that a handshake would be enough to settle any racial abuse on the pitch, and was strongly criticised on Twitter by Red Devils' defender Rio Ferdinand.
The veteran coach confirmed that he does not have a problem with his player’s comments to the FIFA boss.
“Rio knows the parameters of which we allow him to go and not discuss anything related to Manchester United. So he can Twitter as much as he likes as long as it doesn't affect us. I think Sepp Blatter has apologized and that's fine. I think that's appropriate.”
The Old Trafford chief then turned his attentions to Saturday’s Premier League clash away to Swansea, praising the style of play implemented by opposing manager Brendan Rodgers.
“Everyone's been taken by Swansea and the way they have played, and kept their philosophy of playing attacking football,” Ferguson continued. “We know we have got a tough game but that's the way our league is. We have an opportunity now to get consistency and good form.
“By January 1 we hope we are in the right position in the league which is always an important time for me, always crucial in my diary that we get there in good order at that time of the year.”
The 69-year-old also echoed England manager Fabio Capello’s praise for youngster Phil Jones, who has been hailed for his performances with club and country since joining United in the summer.
“Since he has joined us his improvement has been eye catching,” Ferguson said. “We know he's 19 and we know it's a big step from Blackburn to United, but he's been absolutely fantastic. He can play anywhere. He's versatile, two-footed, quick and has a good perception of the game.
“I'm not surprised by what Fabio has been saying and he can be a really influential player for us and England in the next few years.”
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