JAKARTA - Clarence Seedorf suggested that the referee give a yellow card to players who cover their mouths with their hands when talking to opponents on the field. This needs to be done to prevent acts of racism.
In recent weeks and months, there have been a series of incidents of racism like that of Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby.
To that end, former Real Madrid midfielder Seedorf believes that his proposal will stop players from making statements of racism.
"We can't cover our mouths if we talk to opponents, it should be a yellow card," Seedorf said during the Dialogue Against Racism and Hate Speech at Sports Events, organized by the Council of Europe.
"There are players talking to each other and we have seen acts of racism in recent weeks.
"We can fight it by forbidding (shutting up)."
Microphone for refereesPrior to Seedorf's proposal, French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu expressed support for the idea of giving referees a small microphone to listen to what is being said on the pitch, as in rugby.
Then Seedorf added, the long-term solution to racism is through education.
"Education in the long term is the only tool against racism," he said.
Meanwhile, Michele Uva, UEFA Director of Football and Social Responsibility, echoed Seedorf's remarks on the importance of education.
"Racism and hate speech are deeply rooted in our society; education is a fundamental tool in our strategy," he said.
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