Source: Daily_Mail
Patrick Vieira shocked at France coach Laurent Blanc's alleged racism
Patrick Vieira has said he is shocked at reports France boss Laurent Blanc was part of an attempt to limit the number of ethnic minority players in the national set-up. [LNB]A French website claims plans were made at a meeting in November - attended by Blanc along with French Football Federation technical director Francois Blaquart - to restrict the numbers of black players and those of North African origin entering national training centres and academies at the age of 12. [LNB]Manchester City midfielder Vieira, who was born in Senegal and moved to France as a boy, was incensed by racist comments the website claimed were made by Blanc. [LNB] Taking a stand: Vieira (right) has criticised France coach Blanc over his reported claims[LNB] Vieira told Le Monde newspaper: 'This isscandalous. I'm shocked. I would never have imagined that the football chiefs in our country could have such conversations about the France team in the body of the federation. Never. [LNB]'I know Laurent Blanc, I've always had a good relationship with him. I don't believe he's racist butI'm surprised as to the degree of his comments. [LNB]'When I read that he has said, "The Spaniards, they don't have a problem because they don't have any blacks", or "What is there that is big, strong, powerful? The blacks", it's scandalous.' [LNB] Former friends: Vieira and Blanc (left) once played together for Les Blues[LNB]Blanc has strongly denied the allegations about him, telling L'Equipe sports newspaper: 'This project does not exist. All that, for me, is false.' [LNB]Blaquart has been suspended pending the outcome of an inquiry by the FFF but Vieira questioned the decision to single out Blaquart, who also denies any wrongdoing. [LNB]'It's difficult to suspend just one person when others had the same type of discussion,'he said. 'It would have been more logical to suspend everyone who, likehim, said the same things.' [LNB] Home advantage: Vieira celebrates with Petit (left) as France clinch the 1998 World Cup on home soil[LNB]Two age-group coaches were also present andVieira added: 'I would not have been able to understand how these directors, who were at the meeting, could stay in their jobs. If these people stay then that's the door open to all discrimination. If footballreally wants to fight against this scourge, if the FFF want to show that they have the values of the Republic, then there are strong decisions that must be made.'[LNB] Manchester City to reignite Kaka interest with ?22.5m offer plus Emmanuel Adebayor Manchester City put ?50m price tag on Tevez ahead of expected summer exitTevez must play against Spurs... or it's FA Cup final heartbreak, insists ManciniAll the latest Manchester City news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Patrick Vieira Places: France Organisations: French Football Federation
