Ferdinand condemns Fifa on racism

The Feedster

From the BBC News Desk

England vice-captain Rio Ferdinand has called on Fifa to "back up their words with actions" when it comes to punishing racist behaviour among fans.

England vice-captain Rio Ferdinand has hit out at Fifa's approach to racist behaviour among fans, accusing world football's governing body of weakness.

Croatia fans targeted England players, and Emile Heskey in particular, during England's 4-1 win in Zagreb last month.

The Croatian FA was fined £15,000, but Ferdinand told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Fifa make comments about what they will do but never back it up with actions.

"The football authorities need to take a look at themselves."

Ferdinand, speaking ahead of England's World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Belarus, added: "Croatia were fined a few thousand quid. What's that going to do? That is not going to stop people shouting racist or homophobic abuse.

"(Fifa president) Sepp Blatter likes to speak up about things that are good for Fifa's image but I would love to see them stand up and dish out the right punishments for these incidents.

"If things like this keep happening you have to take points off them. Then the punters will realise the team is going to be punished."

Fifa did not want to respond directly to Ferdinand's remarks but said in a statement: "Fifa and Fifa president Joseph Blatter take the fight against racism in football very seriously.

"Fifa not only speaks very clearly about this issue, but carries out several campaigns and projects."

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rolfw

Well done Rio, I am slowly but surely developing a respect for this man, not frightened of speaking out when it is necessary.

The £15,000 fine on Croatia is not going to be any deterrent whatsoever to the small percentage of racist fans who follow the Croatian team.

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