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Non GAA Discussion => General discussion => Topic started by: Doogie Browser on November 17, 2011, 09:57:49 AM

Title: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Doogie Browser on November 17, 2011, 09:57:49 AM
Good old Sepp has done it again!  I wonder if he will be forced out though?  He seems to have massive support from most of the national associations apart from the brits who have been on a mission to get him out since the 2018 debacle.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: fearglasmor on November 17, 2011, 10:17:12 AM
He may have made a laugh of us after Paris but didnt he make up for that by "organising" the play off draw for us and having a quiet word in the refs ear.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Bingo on November 17, 2011, 10:26:07 AM
He has been described as some by the most powerful man in the corporate world. Seems to have huge support in high places despite his apparent foot-in-mouth disease.

Very few seem to want to challenge him and those that do, seem to end up in the shit. He most have very big pockets and a detailed little black book fo who done what.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: passedit on November 17, 2011, 10:45:51 AM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on November 17, 2011, 09:57:49 AM
Good old Sepp has done it again!  I wonder if he will be forced out though?  He seems to have massive support from most of the national associations apart from the brits who have been on a mission to get him out since the 2018 debacle.

The more they push, the more support he'll get elsewhere. Not that he needs it, this boy knows how to pull the strings. I think he takes his holidays in cork.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Doogie Browser on November 17, 2011, 10:47:47 AM
His comments on racism are a disgrace but the English are annoying the fcuk out of me with their approach to him since the World Cup announcement, the rest of the football world must hate them as much as we do!
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Orior on November 17, 2011, 12:08:40 PM
I hate this politically correct shit.

So I cant comment that I work with a Paki, or a half cast, or a jack from dublin, or a bird with long legs, or a pensioner, or a prod, or a spotty teenager?

Why are people trying to pretend to be something that they are not?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: AQMP on November 17, 2011, 12:18:24 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 17, 2011, 12:08:40 PM
I hate this politically correct shit.

So I cant comment that I work with a Paki, or a half cast, or a jack from dublin, or a bird with long legs, or a pensioner, or a prod, or a spotty teenager?

Why are people trying to pretend to be something that they are not?

Hey, negrito, no you can't.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: southdown on November 17, 2011, 12:19:47 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 17, 2011, 12:08:40 PM
I hate this politically correct shit.

So I cant comment that I work with a Paki, or a half cast, or a jack from dublin, or a bird with long legs, or a pensioner, or a prod, or a spotty teenager?

Why are people trying to pretend to be something that they are not?

I think a lot of people go out of their way to be offended these days by things that actually don't offend them, but by showing that they have taken offence gives them some sort of moral satisfaction.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: imtommygunn on November 17, 2011, 12:39:55 PM
Quote from: southdown on November 17, 2011, 12:19:47 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 17, 2011, 12:08:40 PM
I hate this politically correct shit.

So I cant comment that I work with a Paki, or a half cast, or a jack from dublin, or a bird with long legs, or a pensioner, or a prod, or a spotty teenager?

Why are people trying to pretend to be something that they are not?

I think a lot of people go out of their way to be offended these days by things that actually don't offend them, but by showing that they have taken offence gives them some sort of moral satisfaction.

Very true. Interesting that it was someone in the crowd who complained about Terry and this is the third racial abuse case against Evra with him only complaining the once. (The one that seems to be upheld). Kind of shows you that it is some people who are taking offense.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 12:58:54 PM
If John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Nani were walking down the street and someone who didn't know them says to you "Look at the head on that c*nt over there" and you say "which one" and they reply the "The White One" - would it be racist?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: ziggysego on November 17, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 12:58:54 PM
If John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Nani were walking down the street and someone who didn't know them says to you "Look at the head on that c*nt over there" and you say "which one" and they reply the "The White One" - would it be racist?

No, but if you said the cracker, that would.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 01:07:56 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on November 17, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 12:58:54 PM
If John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Nani were walking down the street and someone who didn't know them says to you "Look at the head on that c*nt over there" and you say "which one" and they reply the "The White One" - would it be racist?

No, but if you said the cracker, that would.

But I'm a cracker myself, can I be racist towards my own race?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: ziggysego on November 17, 2011, 01:13:04 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 01:07:56 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on November 17, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 12:58:54 PM
If John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Nani were walking down the street and someone who didn't know them says to you "Look at the head on that c*nt over there" and you say "which one" and they reply the "The White One" - would it be racist?

No, but if you said the cracker, that would.

But I'm a cracker myself, can I be racist towards my own race?

Are you? I would presume to second-guess anyone's race on here. ;)
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Tubberman on November 17, 2011, 01:19:44 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 01:07:56 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on November 17, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 12:58:54 PM
If John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Nani were walking down the street and someone who didn't know them says to you "Look at the head on that c*nt over there" and you say "which one" and they reply the "The White One" - would it be racist?

No, but if you said the cracker, that would.

But I'm a cracker myself, can I be racist towards my own race?

Are black people who call each other 'nigger' racist?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: brokencrossbar1 on November 17, 2011, 01:35:51 PM
Quote from: Tubberman on November 17, 2011, 01:19:44 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 01:07:56 PM
Quote from: ziggysego on November 17, 2011, 01:03:18 PM
Quote from: Dinny Breen on November 17, 2011, 12:58:54 PM
If John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole and Nani were walking down the street and someone who didn't know them says to you "Look at the head on that c*nt over there" and you say "which one" and they reply the "The White One" - would it be racist?

No, but if you said the cracker, that would.

But I'm a cracker myself, can I be racist towards my own race?

Are black people who call each other 'nigger' racist?

No they're homies so don't dis the homies!
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: GalwayBayBoy on November 17, 2011, 01:39:06 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on November 17, 2011, 09:57:49 AM
Good old Sepp has done it again!  I wonder if he will be forced out though?  He seems to have massive support from most of the national associations apart from the brits who have been on a mission to get him out since the 2018 debacle.

Blatter may be an arsehole but it only really seems to be the UK press that are desperate to hang him. Nobody else seems too bothered either way.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Doogie Browser on November 17, 2011, 01:40:40 PM
The multi millionaire head of the PFA called for his head too, the same man who defended Tevez against City's decision to fine him 4 weeks wages.  Another hateful cnut in a game getting more and more morally corrupt.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Main Street on November 17, 2011, 03:28:31 PM
It's complicated,
but basically Paddies don't mind Blatter so much since he keeps getting up the noses of the English.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Shamrock Shore on November 17, 2011, 03:50:34 PM
Blatter is a nob, but I agree that this is much ado about nothing.

A few incidents of nomarks sledging opponents, highlighted recently, doesn't mean that football is endemically racist. Are all Dubbellin taxi drivers racist cos a few hate the Nigerians? Are a few monkeys chants from pond scum the thin edge of the wedge?

I don't think so.

Septic Bladder is hated in Engerland cos they didnt get a World Cup. He's not respected here cos of his "they vant to be the 33rd team" remark. But to call for his head over this is stupid.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 05:57:29 PM
Step Ladder is a tool alright. But what's wrong with a bit of racism? People are naturally tribal, and not being racist goes against people's natural instincts.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: muppet on November 17, 2011, 07:12:47 PM
Whatever about Sepp Blatter what about Mick Wallace?

Yesterday he tweeted: November 11th my 150th day in Leinster House & Ireland qualify for first Euro since '88 - I'll be missing some Dail days next June

Today he asked the Dáil to reschedule their holidays so he could see the football.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: tyssam5 on November 17, 2011, 07:14:26 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 05:57:29 PM
Step Ladder is a tool alright. But what's wrong with a bit of racism? People are naturally tribal, and not being racist goes against people's natural instincts.

I hate racist c***ts from Armagh!

John Terry on the death of Joe Louis - 'sad to hear about it, that black **** was a legend!'
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 07:27:04 PM
Quote from: tyssam5 on November 17, 2011, 07:14:26 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 05:57:29 PM
Step Ladder is a tool alright. But what's wrong with a bit of racism? People are naturally tribal, and not being racist goes against people's natural instincts.

I hate racist c***ts from Armagh!

I didn't say I was a racist. I just don't see the problem with being racist.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 17, 2011, 08:27:03 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 07:27:04 PM
I didn't say I was a racist. I just don't see the problem with being racist.

What a shocking statement. Do you know what that word (racist) actually means?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Hoof Hearted on November 17, 2011, 08:33:42 PM
Quote from: AQMP on November 17, 2011, 12:18:24 PM
Quote from: Orior on November 17, 2011, 12:08:40 PM
I hate this politically correct shit.

So I cant comment that I work with a Paki, or a half cast, or a jack from dublin, or a bird with long legs, or a pensioner, or a prod, or a spotty teenager?

Why are people trying to pretend to be something that they are not?

Hey, negrito, no you can't.



:D :D very good Luis
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: ONeill on November 17, 2011, 08:36:11 PM
Quote from: tyssam5 on November 17, 2011, 07:14:26 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 05:57:29 PM
Step Ladder is a tool alright. But what's wrong with a bit of racism? People are naturally tribal, and not being racist goes against people's natural instincts.

I hate racist c***ts from Armagh!

John Terry on the death of Joe Louis - 'sad to hear about it, that black **** was a legend!'

Don't tell me Louis has snuffed it too.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 08:37:17 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 17, 2011, 08:27:03 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 07:27:04 PM
I didn't say I was a racist. I just don't see the problem with being racist.

What a shocking statement. Do you know what that word (racist) actually means?

What's shocking about it? Everyone is racist, whether they like to admit it or not.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: ONeill on November 17, 2011, 08:38:54 PM
Are we all sexist too?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 17, 2011, 08:42:42 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 08:37:17 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 17, 2011, 08:27:03 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 07:27:04 PM
I didn't say I was a racist. I just don't see the problem with being racist.

What a shocking statement. Do you know what that word (racist) actually means?

What's shocking about it? Everyone is racist, whether they like to admit it or not.

As I thought, you haven't a f**king clue what the word means.

racism


noun
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races  determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race  is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race  or other races.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 08:52:39 PM
Thanks for that, Egghead  ::)

But I'm neither a Jew nor a Northern Ireland Protestant.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: The Gs Man on November 17, 2011, 08:53:28 PM
Weird one in last weeks Lurgan Mail court pages.  Some guy was done for shouting obsceneties at police, calling one an asshole. When police approached he claimed he shouted "Manhole".

He was also let off for using racist language as it said the policeman was "from this jurisdiction".  He had called him a black c***.  "From this jurisdiction" must mean "white" in legal language.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Forever Green on November 17, 2011, 09:07:37 PM
England are the only country making a big deal out of this non story. Still bitter about their shitehole of a country not getting the World Cup.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Mont on November 17, 2011, 09:16:30 PM
blatter is completely bonkers - how the hell is he still in a job?

didnt he want to improve the womens game by changing what they wore :D

bitter brit media - no one else gives a f**k.

sure racism is rife in many many countries - sepp is old school and would be more than happy to turn a blind eye
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Eamonnca1 on November 17, 2011, 09:31:26 PM
I can't believe some of the comments on this thread justifying racism. I was hoping Ireland had grown up a bit and gotten used to the concept of some people being different after EU enlargement.  Looks like there's still some way to go.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Aaron Boone on November 17, 2011, 09:45:56 PM
FIFA have had only 8 Presidents since being founded in 1904.
Blatter won't be going anywhere soon, he's still young for FIFA 8)
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Minder on November 18, 2011, 08:47:13 AM
Shits getting real, Sir Becks is "angry".
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: theskull1 on November 18, 2011, 08:56:40 AM
Quote from: Minder on November 18, 2011, 08:47:13 AM
Shits getting real, Sir Becks is "angry".

Why..did taylor not reach around?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2011, 09:24:22 AM
Quote from: Minder on November 18, 2011, 08:47:13 AM
Shits getting real, Sir Becks is "angry".
The English will be calling for Beckham to take over as FIFA President.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: sammymaguire on November 18, 2011, 09:27:40 AM
Jeez Benny.... crawl back in to that hole and keep your opinions to yourself fella  :-\

we might not like everyone we meet or have dealings with, but all of us are inherently racist?? maybe you want to take that back?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: theskull1 on November 18, 2011, 10:27:21 AM
If a number of (for example) Pakistani families moved into the community you live in Sammy, I think it would provoke an inherent yet very subtle racist reaction within you that you would have to consciously resist.

I presume there are subtleties to what benny is saying but the pc brigade aren't prepared to interpret, but instead go off on one unless people tow the line
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: new devil on November 18, 2011, 10:54:31 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 05:57:29 PM
Step Ladder is a tool alright. But what's wrong with a bit of racism? People are naturally tribal, and not being racist goes against people's natural instincts.

You are either doing a very bad job at being a WUM or else you are a sc**bag!!! Which is it??
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: sammymaguire on November 18, 2011, 11:08:28 AM
Quote from: theskull1 on November 18, 2011, 10:27:21 AM
If a number of (for example) Pakistani families moved into the community you live in Sammy, I think it would provoke an inherent yet very subtle racist reaction within you that you would have to consciously resist.

I presume there are subtleties to what benny is saying but the pc brigade aren't prepared to interpret, but instead go off on one unless people tow the line

Believe it or not, I really dont mind anyone that minds their own business and is not in yer face trying to get in your head. Men, women, blacks, Jews, Protestants, gypsies, Americans, Chinese, Gays, whatever kind of people they might be.

How did I cope living in England for over 10 years and make it home without a criminal record I will never know  :-\ I am not Mr PC here but I dont see this pecking order that you are innately referring to kid. Are you better than someone else, I mean the average Joe Soap in general, not a murderer or rapist or paedo?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: theskull1 on November 18, 2011, 11:36:34 AM
Quote from: sammymaguire on November 18, 2011, 11:08:28 AM
Quote from: theskull1 on November 18, 2011, 10:27:21 AM
If a number of (for example) Pakistani families moved into the community you live in Sammy, I think it would provoke an inherent yet very subtle racist reaction within you that you would have to consciously resist.

I presume there are subtleties to what benny is saying but the pc brigade aren't prepared to interpret, but instead go off on one unless people tow the line

Believe it or not, I really dont mind anyone that minds their own business and is not in yer face trying to get in your head. Men, women, blacks, Jews, Protestants, gypsies, Americans, Chinese, Gays, whatever kind of people they might be.

How did I cope living in England for over 10 years and make it home without a criminal record I will never know  :-\ I am not Mr PC here but I dont see this pecking order that you are innately referring to kid. Are you better than someone else, I mean the average Joe Soap in general, not a murderer or rapist or paedo?


I am absolutely not say we or I am better than someone else. I'm saying that subconsciously we have our own irrational fears and concerns around changes happening to the world around us. I think the more tight knit the community the more fears and concerns change brings
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 18, 2011, 11:47:52 AM
Quote from: theskull1 on November 18, 2011, 10:27:21 AM
If a number of (for example) Pakistani families moved into the community you live in Sammy, I think it would provoke an inherent yet very subtle racist reaction within you that you would have to consciously resist.
Speak for yourself.

Quote from: theskull1 on November 18, 2011, 10:27:21 AM
I presume there are subtleties to what benny is saying but the pc brigade aren't prepared to interpret, but instead go off on one unless people tow the line

There's absolutely nothing subtle about racism. Toeing the line my arse.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 12:40:53 PM
Quote from: new devil on November 18, 2011, 10:54:31 AM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 17, 2011, 05:57:29 PM
Step Ladder is a tool alright. But what's wrong with a bit of racism? People are naturally tribal, and not being racist goes against people's natural instincts.

You are either doing a very bad job at being a WUM or else you are a sc**bag!!! Which is it??

I'm merely pointing out what the rest of you are afraid to admit.

Everyone has a tribal instinct to naturally be aware of someone from another tribe, and be fearful of things or people that are different. It's called being human.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: J70 on November 18, 2011, 12:44:13 PM
And many of us have the urge to grab the arse of every cute woman we pass on the street. Most of us don't do it though.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 12:54:13 PM
Quote from: J70 on November 18, 2011, 12:44:13 PM
And many of us have the urge to grab the arse of every cute woman we pass on the street. Most of us don't do it though.

Again, natural instinct. That's the caveman in you  :D

But wait til the Thought Police catch up with you!
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: J70 on November 18, 2011, 01:15:13 PM
The point is that while we all may let ourselves down occasionally through our thoughts and urges, part of living in a society is that we have to consider the effects of our actions on others. If you have racist tendencies or urges due to your upbringing or some vague fear of the unknown, whether or not you consider them instinctive is not a defense for acting them out.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 18, 2011, 02:27:54 PM
Quote from: J70 on November 18, 2011, 01:15:13 PM
The point is that while we all may let ourselves down occasionally through our thoughts and urges, part of living in a society is that we have to consider the effects of our actions on others. If you have racist tendencies or urges due to your upbringing or some vague fear of the unknown, whether or not you consider them instinctive is not a defense for acting them out.

Don't argue with Children!  ;)

This is his 'sense', when pointed out to him what racism actually means:

Quote from: Benny(Fruit)Cake on November 17, 2011, 08:52:39 PM
But I'm neither a Jew nor a Northern Ireland Protestant.

Make of that what you can/will!  :D
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 02:57:32 PM
Quote from: J70 on November 18, 2011, 01:15:13 PM
The point is that while we all may let ourselves down occasionally through our thoughts and urges, part of living in a society is that we have to consider the effects of our actions on others.

That's what I've been saying. Everyone will have such thoughts.

So would you say John Terry is a racist if he thinks, AF is a black ****? Or is he only a racist if he actually calls him a black ****?
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: J70 on November 18, 2011, 03:09:30 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 02:57:32 PM
Quote from: J70 on November 18, 2011, 01:15:13 PM
The point is that while we all may let ourselves down occasionally through our thoughts and urges, part of living in a society is that we have to consider the effects of our actions on others.

That's what I've been saying. Everyone will have such thoughts.

So would you say John Terry is a racist if he thinks, AF is a black ****? Or is he only a racist if he actually calls him a black ****?

He's a racist if his opinion of Ferdinand is based on Ferdinand's race. If he says so, he's letting the rest of us know he's a racist.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 18, 2011, 03:29:21 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 02:57:32 PM
That's what I've been saying. Everyone will have such thoughts.

So would you say John Terry is a racist if he thinks, AF is a black ****? Or is he only a racist if he actually calls him a black ****?


When you get home from school, look up your ancestors. No, not your granddad and grandma, but your black ancestors who inhabited caves in Africa. Like the rest of everyone else in the world, you're actually the spawn of Black people, and I normally wouldn't use Black and **** in the same sentence, but in your ancestors' case I would make an exception, for spawning a stupid ****** like you!

:D
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 03:32:30 PM
Haha that was a great rant!

But you still haven't answered my question...
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 18, 2011, 03:38:46 PM
J70 answered it, correctly.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 03:45:13 PM
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on November 18, 2011, 03:38:46 PM
J70 answered it, correctly.

If you say so.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Minder on November 18, 2011, 04:33:24 PM
An excellent article, for a black man.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/8898054/Former-Liverpool-star-John-Barnes-says-society-is-to-blame-for-racism-problem-that-football-just-cant-shift.html

John Barnes, the former England international who endured racist abuse during his distinguished career, admits he is "not surprised'' by the latest ugly incidents because football reflects a society taking time to shed ingrained prejudices.

''I'm not condoning what Sepp Blatter has said or John Terry, if he's proven to be guilty,'' Barnes said. "I think Blatter should resign over many things, and this is just one. But those thoughts are based on stereotypical views drummed into us over a long period of time.

"People have been told for 400 years since slavery that black people aren't as intelligent as white.

"White players always said to me: 'You can call me 'a white so and so', I don't mind'. But that's because society has indoctrinated us over the past 400 years to think that that's like saying 'you handsome so and so'. That's why white players aren't offended. They're empowered. Black people aren't empowered; 99 per cent of black individuals would be offended being called 'a black so and so' because we've had 400 years of being dehumanised.

"We don't know whether the allegations about John Terry and Luis Suárez are true. What we do know is that it's happened before. The words they are alleged to have said have been said in the past year but it hasn't been reported. Now and then there's an incident and people are surprised. I'm not. I know it's there.

"Any black player knows this. We've played against players, got into an altercation, looked him in the eye, he's not said anything, but you know he's thinking "you black ----'. He wants to say it but doesn't because he knows he'll get into trouble. That happens very often. When I played they actually said it. They called me n----- to my face. It happened in training, in matches. Any black player of my generation had it. In 1984 with England in Brazil, I had it with the National Front."

Four years later, the then Liverpool winger was targeted by Everton fans at Goodison Park.

"I had bananas thrown at me and monkey chants at West Ham and Millwall five years before that Everton game but because it was a high-profile match everyone took notice. It had been going on for ages. There wasn't a game in the Eighties when you didn't get racial abuse as a black player. I got racist abuse at Liverpool when I played for Watford. Then I played for Liverpool and didn't get it. If I had played for Everton against Liverpool then maybe the Liverpool fans would have racially abused me.

"A lot of people are jumping on the bandwagon now about Blatter, saying he's wrong – and he is. But if you want to have a South African-style Truth and Reconciliation Commission, get in every manager and player who is over 40 and ask them: 'Say you have never used the N-word?' Most won't be able to. Much more than 75 per cent of people back then in the Eighties would have.

"But people could not get under my skin. I'm a middle-class Jamaican boy and where I was brought up in Jamaica [in a wealthy military household] I was not meant to feel second-class. If I was brought up in England, I'd possibly see things differently. Ian Wright dealt with racism differently to how I did.

"Racism's still a big problem in football. Racism can be invisible. How many black managers in England are there? Two. Black managers are given very short periods of time because people don't believe they are up to the job. That's racism. It's not just a white thing. Look at the hierarchy of black African football who believe European coaches are better than black African. They treat black coaches with disdain. There's this black dynamic of not feeling good enough.

"We are all racist to a certain extent. We all make presumptions about other people based on their colour, culture or ethnicity in variable degrees. We judge people even on their accents. When Eric Cantona said what he said about trawlers and seagulls, he's a philosopher because of the French accent. It sounds intelligent. If Paul Merson said it in his Cockney accent, we'd say he was talking rubbish.

"Race, for me, should be social and cultural, rather than the colour of your skin. Anton Ferdinand would have more in common with John Terry than he does with some West African from Nigeria. John Terry will have more in common with Anton Ferdinand than a Slav from Eastern Europe who happens to be white. Racism is such a complex subject."

So what's the way ahead? "Football can do nothing about getting rid of racism. Society has to [do it], through education and people understanding why they feel the way they do. Prejudice is a problem all over the world. I'm surprised when I see black people in the higher echelons of society. I know the most powerful man in the world is black [Barack Obama] but 400 years of indoctrination into thinking about a group of people as inferior is not going to change overnight. There was the human rights movement in the 1960s and yet 20 years ago we were still being racially abused – and it was accepted."

Now 48, Barnes does see hope for the future. "My children don't get racially abused. There's a new British culture; those from 10 to 25 now identify with each other, whether black, white, Indian, Chinese.

"Black kids once upon a time would hold on to their West Indian or African identity because of their parents. Black kids now are British. Indian girls are wearing miniskirts and going out dancing. White kids are listening to black music. We are going through a transitional period.'' Leaving the unreconstructed likes of Blatter behind.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: J70 on November 18, 2011, 04:40:59 PM
Superb article by Barnes.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Minder on November 18, 2011, 04:44:44 PM
Quote from: J70 on November 18, 2011, 04:40:59 PM
Superb article by Barnes.

That article is about as insightful as I have read on the subject.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Doogie Browser on November 18, 2011, 05:06:21 PM
Good read from Barnes, I have read somewhere before that he was abused by his own fans on the flight back from Brazil in 1984 - after his brilliant goal.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Dinny Breen on November 18, 2011, 05:10:41 PM
Very good article.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Geoff Tipps on November 18, 2011, 05:16:10 PM
Great article there. Got me thinking about just how good he was. He was and still is my favourite Liverpool player ever. Growing up as a kid in the the late 80's he was for a time up there with the best in the world, in a Liverpool shirt at any rate. If Downing is worth £20 million god knows how much he would be worth today.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Doogie Browser on November 18, 2011, 05:23:50 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on November 18, 2011, 05:16:10 PM
Great article there. Got me thinking about just how good he was. He was and still is my favourite Liverpool player ever. Growing up as a kid in the the late 80's he was for a time up there with the best in the world, in a Liverpool shirt at any rate. If Downing is worth £20 million god knows how much he would be worth today.
He was brilliant to watch growing up, it is a shame the way he has been ridiculed in recent years due to his less than impressive TV presenting.

One fault of his though - a god awful dress sense  :D
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: ziggysego on November 18, 2011, 06:57:32 PM
You wouldn't believe the attitudes and assumptions people make about me, because I'm disabled and short. It does hurt, trust me.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 08:45:35 PM
John Barnes: "We are all racist to a certain extent".

My work here is done.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: J70 on November 18, 2011, 08:55:27 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on November 18, 2011, 08:45:35 PM
John Barnes: "We are all racist to a certain extent".

My work here is done.

If by that you mean that we all have brief, temporary moments of weakness or ill-thought that most of us instantly think through and dismiss as illogical and unjustified, then yes, I guess you're right.

If you mean that we're all really prejudiced bigots underneath who are one slip (or drink) away from unleashing racial tirades or violence, then you're ridiculously wrong.

Barnes states himself that thinking in racial terms is dying out among younger people for christ's sake.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2011, 09:22:13 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on November 18, 2011, 05:23:50 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on November 18, 2011, 05:16:10 PM
Great article there. Got me thinking about just how good he was. He was and still is my favourite Liverpool player ever. Growing up as a kid in the the late 80's he was for a time up there with the best in the world, in a Liverpool shirt at any rate. If Downing is worth £20 million god knows how much he would be worth today.
He was brilliant to watch growing up, it is a shame the way he has been ridiculed in recent years due to his less than impressive TV presenting.

One fault of his though - a god awful dress sense  :D

Blacks tend to be poor dressers.
Title: Re: Sepp Blatter
Post by: Jonah on November 18, 2011, 09:26:25 PM
Quote from: Tony Baloney on November 18, 2011, 09:22:13 PM
Quote from: Doogie Browser on November 18, 2011, 05:23:50 PM
Quote from: Geoff Tipps on November 18, 2011, 05:16:10 PM
Great article there. Got me thinking about just how good he was. He was and still is my favourite Liverpool player ever. Growing up as a kid in the the late 80's he was for a time up there with the best in the world, in a Liverpool shirt at any rate. If Downing is worth £20 million god knows how much he would be worth today.
He was brilliant to watch growing up, it is a shame the way he has been ridiculed in recent years due to his less than impressive TV presenting.

One fault of his though - a god awful dress sense  :D

Blacks tend to be poor dressers.
Racist