British minister: Sepp Blatter 'should go'

A British government minister has called on FIFA President Sepp Blatter to resign following his comments downplaying racism in soccer.

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson says: ''For the sake of the game, he should go.''

Blatter claimed in television interviews Wednesday that racism does not exist on the field. He said if racist language is used between players, the dispute should be resolved by a handshake at the end of the match.

He calls Blatter's comments ''completely unacceptable.''

Robertson said in a statement Thursday ''this is the latest episode that calls into question whether this man should be the head of world football.''

Robertson, a longtime critic of FIFA, says ''there is no place or excuse for (racism) either on or off the pitch.''