1. #FIFA There has been widespread calls for Sepp Blatter’s resignation after he yesterday insisted there is no racism on the football pitch.
His comments in a TV interview sparked a backlash in England, where two top players are being investigated for racially insulting opponents during recent Premier League games. Blatter quickly issued a statement, insisting he had been “misunderstood,” but by then he had already drawn heavy condemnation in Britain.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand — whose brother Anton was the target of an alleged slur by England captain John Terry — was one of the most outspoken critics.
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“Sepp Blatter your comments on racism are so condescending its almost laughable. If fans shout racist chants but shake our hands is that ok?” Ferdinand wrote on twitter. “I feel stupid for thinking that football was taking a leading role against racism…..it seems it was just on mute for a while.”
2. #CASE Blatter’s comments came on the same day as the English FA charged Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra during a Premier League match last month.
The FA’s decision comes following an independent investigation into Evra’s complaint that Suarez used a racist term “more than ten times” during an altercation between them.
3. #RFU Former Australia coach Eddie Jones on Wednesday expressed an interest in replacing Martin Johnson as the next England team manager, just hours after Nick Mallett had ruled himself out of contention for the job. Martin Johnson quit yesterday afternoon.
4. #GOLF Pádraig Harrington has made a impressive start to the defence of his title in Malaysia. The Dubliner shot a seven under par 64 to leave him one behind the leader in second. We’ll have more later.
5. #LOILIVE Pat Fenlon met with Bohs chiefs last night to discuss his mooted move to Hibernian. The Gypsies boss is favourite to take over the vacant SPL job.
The Morning Score: Thursday
1. #FIFA There has been widespread calls for Sepp Blatter’s resignation after he yesterday insisted there is no racism on the football pitch.
His comments in a TV interview sparked a backlash in England, where two top players are being investigated for racially insulting opponents during recent Premier League games. Blatter quickly issued a statement, insisting he had been “misunderstood,” but by then he had already drawn heavy condemnation in Britain.
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand — whose brother Anton was the target of an alleged slur by England captain John Terry — was one of the most outspoken critics.
“Sepp Blatter your comments on racism are so condescending its almost laughable. If fans shout racist chants but shake our hands is that ok?” Ferdinand wrote on twitter. “I feel stupid for thinking that football was taking a leading role against racism…..it seems it was just on mute for a while.”
2. #CASE Blatter’s comments came on the same day as the English FA charged Liverpool striker Luis Suarez with racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra during a Premier League match last month.
The FA’s decision comes following an independent investigation into Evra’s complaint that Suarez used a racist term “more than ten times” during an altercation between them.
3. #RFU Former Australia coach Eddie Jones on Wednesday expressed an interest in replacing Martin Johnson as the next England team manager, just hours after Nick Mallett had ruled himself out of contention for the job. Martin Johnson quit yesterday afternoon.
Eddie O’Sullivan has been linked with Cardiff Blues after he left the USA post yesterday.
4. #GOLF Pádraig Harrington has made a impressive start to the defence of his title in Malaysia. The Dubliner shot a seven under par 64 to leave him one behind the leader in second. We’ll have more later.
5. #LOILIVE Pat Fenlon met with Bohs chiefs last night to discuss his mooted move to Hibernian. The Gypsies boss is favourite to take over the vacant SPL job.
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Early Doors FIFA Padraig Harrington Patrice Evra SPL