Top Bananas and Football
The chief of world football has claimed - incredibly - that the game does not suffer from on-field problems with racism.
At a time when two extremely high-profile Premier League players in England - are under investigation for making racist on-field remarks to opposing players.
In the bad old days - when there were relatively few black players around - the fans used to join in the 'fun' as well - by throwing bananas onto the pitch - and making loud monkey noises whenever a black player was on the ball.
Thankfully that kind of offfensive behaviour has been stamped out - by a mixture of the fans policing themselves - and the footballing authorities taking touch action when such incidents occur.
But Blatter sought to play down similar incidents on the field of play - in two separate television interviews yesterday - when he was asked whether racism on the pitch was a problem in modern-day football.
"I would deny it. There is no racism," said Blatter.
Before going on to suggest that if players on the field use abusive or insulting language - then they should just shake hands at the end of the game - and not take any offence.
Which just goes to show how out of touch Sepp Blatter is - and that he is not fit to run the world football association.
Professional footballers are at work - when they are on the pitch - and while players swear and shout at each other and are able to let off a bit of steam - what's not acceptable is foul and abusive language.
The referee wouldn't put up with it - so why should opposing players?
Abusing someone in the street for the colour of their skin or religion - is a criminal offence.
So why should professional football players - be judged by a completely different standard?
The professional players are also role models - for countless others who follow the beautiful game at school, junior and amateur level - which must be obvious to someone in Blatter's position.
FIFA need to put someone much more responsible at the helm - someone in touch with the modern game and modern living.
Because at the moment the world football association is a byword for corruption - and an object of ridicule.
