x

Swans Players Criticise Blatter Comments

Swansea players have joined in with the chorus of criticism over recent comments by FIFA president Sepp Blatter

Swansea players have joined in with the chorus of criticism over recent comments by FIFA president Sepp Blatter

Blatter caused outrage this week when he claimed that racial abuse on the pitch could be sorted with a simple handshake at the end of the game, causing Ashley WIlliams to say "I think they're just ridiculous — I don't know what he was thinking.

"I can't say too much about it because they're obviously so stupid.

"I disagree with him totally.

"I don't think it (racism) is a big problem on the field — I haven't come across it.

"But if it's a small problem, it's a big problem. If there's one incident, that's too many.

"There have been a few high-profile cases lately, so it's something we'll continue to work on until we stamp it out altogether."

Nathan Dyer added "It's a situation where he has been a bit naive with his comments. What he said wasn't right.

"He can't do anything about that now, but I think they need to review the situation and sort it out.

"There's no place for racism or prejudice in football.

"For a player, it's horrible to know fans can shout abuse at you but if you do any kind of small gesture back to them you get punished massively.

"It brings the game down and it's a beautiful game.

"There's nothing you can do. You can report it, but not a lot is going to get done about it," he said.

"You've got to get on with it and hopefully the FA and Fifa see it and act on it.

"I've not had it from an opponent. I find it strange that any other player would comment or say anything racist because more than likely they've got someone similar on their own team.

"They're not just saying it to that player but saying it to their team-mate as well."

What to read next:

Southampton 0 - 1 Stoke City - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures 2
In the second part of our pictorial look back at some of our games against Stoke City from the past, here we look back at more recent games, so most of you would have been at them.
Saints V Stoke City A Look Back In Pictures
We have looked through our photo archives for a look back as some games against Stoke City over the years, what are your memories of these games ?
Southampton V Stoke City The Preview
Saints go into the last two games of the season with their hopes of automatic promotion ended, even the hope of finishing 3rd is only a point away from being ended, but they do have something to play for and that is getting back the togetherness, character & fight Russell Martin has recently be moaned.
No Togetherness No Character No Fight
Not my words, but those of Southampton manager Russell Martin, who should ask himself the question why two months ago we had all those attributes and now we don't !
Southampton At Leicester The Debacle
The big question is how can a side that was so tight at the back, so clinical up front and who could pass the ball around almost with their eyes closed, become the disorganised rabble that they were at the Leicester City this evening.
Southampton Side Announced For Leicester Game
Russell Martin has revealed his side for the game against Leicester City, find out what surprises he has for Saints supporters this time out.
Southampton At Leicester City The Preview
Saints travel up to Leicester knowing that it is almost certain that they will just be in the play offs come the end of the season, however there is still the feint hope of 3rd place to play for, however the Foxes are playing for a bigger prize.
A Rough Guide To Leicester City FC
Saints head up to Leicester City this evening with their automatic promotion hopes just about over, so for the 3,000 fans who bought their tickets when there was hope here are the details.
Southampton At Cardiff City The Verdict
There can be no excuses for this defeat, a loss that effectively means that it will be a play off spot and not an automatic promotion place for Southampton, so where did it all go wrong.