Post date: Nov 19, 2011 6:6:22 PM
Irish national team captain Robbie Keane practices with his LA Galaxy teammates and reacts to Sepp Blatter's comments.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 18, 2011) (REUTERS) - Robbie Keane addressed a range of questions Friday (November 17) ahead of the MLS Cup which takes place on Sunday November 20.
The Irish captain reacted to FIFA president Sepp Blatter's comments in which he said there was no racism in football and that players involved in any racist confrontations on the pitch should settle their differences with a handshake at the end of the match.
"There's no need for it in the game whatsoever. And his comments, obviously for someone in his position in the industry that we're in, to make comments like is obviously not very clever on his part. We don't need it in football certainly. And for people at the top to make silly comments like that, for me is just stupid."
Keane said the apology afterward was fine but didn't go far enough, "Who does these people answer to? You know? That's what I would like to know. Who's their bosses that they have to answer to? Because there doesn't seem to be any bosses afterwards. There's certainly a strong case for that. As I said the whole FIFA, the whole UEFA, the whole, everyone in the whole world in football is trying to kick racism out of football. It shouldn't be part of the game. It shouldn't even be mentioned near the game. It doesn't matter who you are, what race you are. But silly comments," said Keane.
The FIFA president's comment sparked intense pressure for him to resign and has provoked a furor in England where the FA is dealing with two high-profile racism allegations.
As for Robbie Keane, he also addressed his plans for the off season and his preparation for Europe 2012 which he helped Ireland qualify for the first time in a decade.
"Obviously with the European Championships, now that we've qualified for that, that'll give me a good chance to have a rest and get myself ready for that because with the other lads back playing in England to have a very tough schedule from now till the summer. They don't get a break. I'll take this opportunity now after we finish from an end of season trip and take a few weeks off. Obviously toward the end of it I'll do my own training to get myself fit to come back for preseason. But I won't be going on loan to anyone," said Keane.
The MLS Cup will be at the LA Galaxy's home field against the Houston Dynamo on Sunday (November 20). It is the first time Keane has played for the league championship.