Sexwale critical of Terry captaincy

The South African politician caught up in the Sepp Blatter race row claims it is ‘not helpful’ for John Terry to remain as England captain.

Tokyo Sexwale, the Minister of Human Settlements, had been pictured hugging the FIFA president in an official statement released by Blatter to defend comments he made in which he had suggested players who are racially abused on the pitch should resolve the issue with a handshake.

While defending the Swiss leader, Sexwale took the opportunity to comment on the furore surrounding Chelsea defender Terry, who is the subject of an ongoing police investigation regarding his conduct with QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, Sexwale said: “What was problematic was [Blatter’s] initial statement as reported, which said racism does not exist on the pitch.”

“This was rather unfortunate.”

“With countless cases of racial slurs being spewed on the playing fields by players against others, that is well known. Our committee has joined the call for such players to be brought to book. Their racial indiscretions are totally unacceptable.”

“The most known of these cases is Chelsea captain John Terry. [He] is also captain of the English national team. It is therefore not helpful for any side to bear him with the captain’s armband whilst the indiscretion against another player of another race is still so fresh in mind.”

“This would give inadvertently an impression that people get a slap on the wrist as harsh punishment is being called upon, as was done this morning by, amongst others, David Beckham.”

Sexwale also spoke out in defence of Blatter, admitting that he had been asked by the FIFA president to make the statement, but denied that he was a stooge of the president, although stopping short of rejecting calls for the 75-year-old’s resignation.

“Mr Blatter is well-known worldwide as a champion against racism and discrimination,” he stated.

“What he said was flippant, a mistake, but he now understands that we are dealing with something that sticks. It is hurtful, as Pele said, it breaks your legs, you find it difficult to play on.”

“I think that this matter should be looked at carefully in terms of the damage done.”

“I can quite understand that people don’t like the fact that my picture was used, there’s a perception it could have created that this was an attempt to whitewash, play down or improve the image.”

“Mr Blatter is a very big man, I don’t think he needs a hug with Tokyo Sexwale to fight his battles.”

When asked if Blatter should step down, Sexwale suggested that his recent apology for the offending comments aided his position.

“I don’t want to be judgmental. It’s an uttering, it’s not like there’s money missing,” he continued.

“I don’t kick a man who is down. For me what counts is that he stood up in public and said I’m sorry. What happens going forward in respect of what he said is a matter for the FIFA executive, I can’t take it beyond that.”