Racism in football is back at the top of the agenda as players and officials squabble about what to do about comments on the pitch.

British football heavyweights like former English international captains Rio Ferdinand and David Beckham are speaking out against racism, while FIFA president Sepp Blatter first suggested players should shake hands and forget any abuse during games.

Blatter has now reflected and back-pedalled with an apology for his comments following a broadside of complaints.

The wrangle follows an ongoing police investigation from current England captain John Terry over alleged racist comments to Ferdinand’s brother Anton, during a recent Chelsea/Queens Park Rangers match in the Premier League.

Since then, Liverpool’s Uruguay forward Luis Suarez has been accused of racially abusing the Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during the 1-1 draw between the two clubs on October 15.

“Racism is serious,” said Blatter. “ My words were unfortunate and I deeply regret what I said.”

English football has made great strides to kick racism out of the game with campaigns backed by high profile players.

Clubs, the Professional Footballer’s Association and Football Association have all linked to set football as an anti-racism role model for youngsters.

Despite this, the FA is consulting the US National Football Association about how to encourage clubs to employ more managers with a minority background.

The NFA has operated the Rooney Rule since 2003 which requires clubs to interview minority candidates for coaching and management posts.

The rule was instigated by Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney as an example of affirmative action.

No Premier league clubs have managers from a minority background – in the lower league’s only Birmingham City’s Chris Hughton and Chartlon Athletic’s Chris Powell are black, despite more than 25% of players in the league being black and many more are from diverse religious backgrounds.