Clarence Seedorf has proposed that referees give yellow cards to players who cover their mouths with their hands when speaking to opponents on the pitch in order to prevent racist insults.
In recent weeks and months, there have been a series of high-profile racist incidents such as that allegedly suffered by Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby, and the ex-Real Madrid midfielder believes that his proposal will stop players from making racist remarks.
“We cannot cover our mouths if we speak to a rival, that should be a yellow card,” Seedorf said in the Dialogue against Racism and Hate Speech in Sporting Events, organised by the European Council.
“There are players who speak to each other and we have seen racist situations in the last few weeks.
“We can act against it by prohibiting {mouth covering}.”
A microphone for referees
Before Seedorf‘s proposal, the French Minister of Sport, Roxana Maracineanu, declared her support for the idea of giving referees a small microphone in order to hear what is being said on the pitch, as is the case in rugby.
Seedorf went on to add that the long-term solution to racism is through education.
“Education in the long term is the only tool to fight against racism,” he said.
Michele Uva, UEFA’s Director of Football and Social Responsibility, echoed Seedorf‘s statement about the importance of education.
“Racism and hate speech are deeply-rooted in our society; education is a fundamental tool in our strategy,” he said.
