Settle race abuse with handshake – Sepp Blatter

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has claimed any racist abuse between players on the pitch should be settled by a handshake.

England’s Football Association is currently dealing with two incidents where a player has been accused of racially abusing an opponent – Chelsea’s John Terry and Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, both of whom deny any wrongdoing.

And Blatter’s insistence that there is no racism on the field of play is bound to prove controversial – as well as his suggested solution.

Asked if he thought there was racism on the pitch, the Fifa president told CNN World Sport: “I would deny it. There is no racism.

“There is maybe one of the players towards another, he has a word or a gesture which is not the correct one. But also the one who is affected by that, he should say that this is a game. We are in a game, and at the end of the game, we shake hands, and this can happen, because we have worked so hard against racism and discrimination.

“I think the whole world is aware of the efforts we are making against racism and discrimination. And on the field of play, sometimes you say something that is not very correct, but then at the end of the game, the game is over and you have the next game where you can behave better.”

Terry captained England on Tuesday night in the 1-0 friendly win over Sweden at Wembley, his first appearance for his country since being the subject of a police investigation over alleged racist remarks made to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

And the FA officially charged Suarez yesterday with racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra following a month-long investigation into the claims against the Uruguayan striker.

An FA statement said: “The FA has today charged Liverpool’s Luis Suarez following an incident that occurred during the Liverpool versus Manchester United fixture at Anfield on 15 October 2011.

“It is alleged that Suarez used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra contrary to FA rules.

“It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Patrice Evra.”

Liverpool said Suarez will plead not guilty to the charge.

A club statement said: “We expect him to request a personal hearing.

“Luis remains determined to clear his name of the allegation made against him by Patrice Evra. The club remain fully supportive of Luis in this matter.”