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UPSET: MP Diane Abbott has called Sepp Blatter's comments on racism 'shocking' and 'concerning'

BRITAIN'S FIRST black female MP, Diane Abbott has called for Sepp Blatter to step down as the head of football's governing body FIFA.

The MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington said that Blatter's comments on racism in football "could turn the clocks back on years of hard-fought progress in stamping out racism in football stadiums, pubs, playgrounds and workplaces."

Her comments come after Blatter claimed that racist terms made during a football match could be resolved with a simple "handshake" and went onto deny that racism existed in football.

"I would deny it," he said during an interview with CNN Sport.

He continued: "There is no racism, there is maybe one of the players towards another, he has a word or a gesture which is not the correct one, but also the one who is affected by that. He should say that this is a game. We are in a game, and at the end of the game, we shake hands, and this can happen, because we have worked so hard against racism and discrimination."

However, his controversial comments received a massive backlash from the public who, with Abbott, called for Blatter to step down.

"Sepp Blatter does not seem to have understood that footballers are role models for people across the world, including children and youngsters. I'd dread to think that we're instilling in British children the attitudes shown by Sepp Blatter. It is really shocking and concerning," Abbott said.

CONTROVERSIAL: Sepp Blatter

"It is absolutely clear that his position as the head of world football is untenable. If I was a FIFA sponsor, I would be thinking very carefully right know as to whether I wanted to be associated with an organisation headed by Sepp Blatter, after the comments he has made," she continued.

England international and Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand, added:

"I feel stupid for thinking that football was taking a leading role against racism… it seems it was just on mute for a while [sic]," he said.

The 75-year-old today (Nov 18) backtracked on his original comments and instead preached of zero-tolerance when it comes to racist behaviour.

"My personal position against racism is very clear and has been very strong for many years," he said in a statement.

"I am sorry and I regret that my statements earlier this week have contributed to an unfortunate situation," he added.