Warnock: Black players should boycott matches to force Blatter out
Published 12:53 18/11/11 By Martin Lipton
QPR boss Neil Warnock has claimed an international boycott by black players is the only way to oust shamed Sepp Blatter.
As the FIFA chief mounted another damage limitation exercise over his claims that racism in football should be forgiven by a handshake, the Loftus Road chief urged black players to take their own stand by withdrawing from the next round of international fixtures.
Warnock’s defender Anton Ferdinand is at the centre of the John Terry race storm and the QPR boss said: “Racism does happen on the field of play and the shaking of a hand just doesn’t put it right.
“But who is going to sack him [Blatter]? I don’t see that anyone is going to sack him.
“I think the only way we could get him out is if every black player in the country, in every country, refused to play in the next international game.
“That’s the only way. Nothing else is going to get him out until he wants to go.”
Warnock’s views came as outrage over the Swiss remained unabated.
Everton boss David Moyes said: “The comments were completely misplaced, especially when we have one or two things currently going on in this country. Maybe if the FA’s investigations had been dealt with a bit quicker, Sepp Blatter would not have made the comments or would have answered in a different way.”
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, who has stood by Terry’s vehement denials of the allegations, said: “Blatter has made his apologies, so end of story. When a person assumes he has made a mistake, it’s for all of us to accept a mistake was made.
“It’s good that a person will come out and retract his words.
“There is humbleness in his actions now. But there are things that should have been avoided in the first place.”
Villas-Boas also agreed with Warnock’s view that English attitudes to racism are far stronger than in other countries.
“The race issue is taken more seriously in this country. All countries are fighting racism, but England plays a decisive part in taking it on,” added the Chelsea boss.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Manchester City’s Roberto Mancini were also forceful.
Wenger said: “Football is a sport that is watched and played all over the world and we have a massive responsibility because of that.
“Football gives you one chance and it is because you are selected on merit and it is easy to identify the merit.
“In normal society, the problem is much deeper. If you are a good player, you play. No matter where you come from. It is not always true in a normal society, but in sport it is easy to identify how good you are. That is why sport can be an example for society.”
Mancini said: “There is racism in football, like there is in life. It is good that people are making an issue of it.”
And FA chairman David Bernstein said Blatter’s apology had been “necessary”, adding: “His initial comments were wrong and irresponsible.
“With power comes responsibility and I – with others in prominent positions in the game – have to make sure we live up to the values of which we speak.”
Blatter apologises for racism comments - but won't resign
Brian Reade: Why racism will always be a problem in football while FIFA are in charge
