All 20 English Premier League clubs have issued a statement addressing prevalent allegations of racism in the modern game in England.
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was charge by the FA on Wednesday following a complaint from Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra that he had been racially abused by the striker during their clash at Anfield in October.
Meanwhile, police investigations continue following the alleged racial abuse towards QPR’s Anton Ferdinand by Chelsea and England captain John Terry.
But England’s top flight have moved quickly to reaffirm the work they have done to remove racism from the game.
“The English game has been at the forefront of tackling racist behaviour and other forms of discrimination,” the statement read. “Everybody in the game in England understands any form of racism is totally unacceptable.”
“There are still issues, as there are in society, so with our partners, Kick It Out, the PFA and The FA, we must remain committed and vigilant to maintaining the standards we have set and confronting any incidents that occur.”
“There is no place for discrimination in football and we will continue to strive to eliminate it.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand continues to trade tweets with Blatter over the Swiss’ controversial statements regarding racism in football.
On Wednesday, Blatter denied racism was rife in the game, insisting any problems between players should be settled ‘with a handshake’.
Ferdinand responded to Blatter’s statement, calling it ‘condescending’ and ‘almost laughable’.
FIFA then posted a story to limit damage by posting a story about the organisation’s anti-racism policy and activity, including a picture of Blatter with activist Tokyo Sexwale.
Ferdinand derided the story, tweeting: “FIFA clear up the Blatter comments with a pic of him posing with a black man. I need the hand covering my eyes symbol.”
Blatter bit back, tweeting: “The ‘black man’ as you call him has a name: Tokyo Sexwale. He has done tremendous work against racism and apartheid in Africa … We have done several joint activities to raise awareness on the struggle against racism in South Africa … FIFA has a long standing and proud record in the area of anti-discrimination which will continue.”
Ferdinand retorted: “To say what you said about racism in football spoke volumes of your ignorance to the subject.”
