FA chairman welcomes Blatter apology

The chairman of the Football Association, David Bernstein, says FIFA president Sepp Blatter’s apology about racism in football was ‘necessary’.

The Swiss had appeared to suggest on Tuesday that any instance of racist abuse on the pitch could be settled with a handshake at the end of the match, but has since admitted his words were inappropriate.

Bernstein condemned the comments made by Blatter as ‘wrong and irresponsible’ and welcomed his apology.

“Mr Blatter has made it clear he will not resign but his apology today was necessary. His comments were wrong and irresponsible,” Bernstein said in a statement on the FA’s official website.

“The FA and all of English football have consistently been unified against racial abuse and all forms of discrimination. We are trustees and a funding partner of Kick it Out, who campaign tirelessly for equality and inclusion in football.”

“All forms of discrimination should be reported and it is our responsibility to investigate these fully. A handshake at the end of the game does not draw a line under racial abuse during a match.”

“As I have said many times in the past, 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.”

“I am mindful that – this week’s comments aside – FIFA as an organisation does much good work around the world. The organisation has made great strides in fighting racism, as have many national football federations.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to stress that The FA remains strongly committed to diversity, equal opportunities for all and anti-discrimination.”

The row sparked by Blatter comes in the middle of two high-profile investigations into alleged racial abuse centering around Chelsea and England captain John Terry and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, the latter of whom was charged on Tuesday with abusive behaviour towards Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.