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Peter Black and South Wales West Liberal DemocratsRepresenting Aberavon, Bridgend, Gower, Neath, Ogmore, Port Talbot, and Swansea |
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Peter Black calls upon Football Association for Wales to help fight racism
November 18, 2011 3:10 PM
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Equalities and Sport, Peter Black has urged the Football Association for Wales to issue a statement condemning FIFA President, Sepp Blatter's comments on tackling racism in sport with a 'handshake'.
Mr. Black has signed a statement of opinion in the Welsh Assembly that reaffirms the principle that racism on and off the pitch is unacceptable.
Commenting, Mr. Black said: 'I look to football to set an example not reassert prejudice. That is why I was particularly shocked by the laid-back remarks of Sepp Blatter. There should be a no-tolerance policy on racism for players, fans and officials. If FIFA fail to provide a lead on this matter then the Football Association for Wales should step in and do so for the game locally.
"I am particularly proud of Swansea City Football Club's record on this issue as Wales' only Premiership side. Sepp Blatter's remarks have undermined their efforts to stamp out racism as well. That is unacceptable. This sort of hatred and prejudice needs to be challenged wherever it is found."
Ends
Note: The Statement of Opinion reads:
The National Assembly for Wales:
1.Condemns comments made by Sepp Blatter President of FIFA that deny racism is a problem on the pitch in football and that any incidents on the pitch should be resolved with a handshake.
2. Calls on the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to issue a clear statement condemning Sepp Blatter's comments and reaffirming the FAW's commitment to tackling racism in sport.
3. Believes that racism on and off the pitch is unacceptable.
4. Believes that sporting administrators and leaders have a duty to challenge racism and its impact on players, officials and fans alike
This story can be found on the following link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15757165.stm