In Europe, support for NBA punishment of Sterling, calls for football to do more
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Fans hold up signs in support of the Los Angeles Clippers before Game 5 of an opening-round NBA basketball playoff series between the Clippers and the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, in Los Angeles. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Tuesday that Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling has been banned for life by the league for making racist comments that hurt the league. (AP Photo) (The Associated Press)
The NBA has backing in Europe for its life ban of Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, with FIFA president Sepp Blatter among those declaring full support.
Blatter tweeted: "Sport says no to racism. I fully support @NBA's decision."
UEFA says president Michel Platini also approves of the ban.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Patrick Vieira, a 1998 World Cup champion with France, tweeted: "Well done to @NBA, another organisation dealing with racism in exactly the right way. I say again - zero tolerance."
Issuing about the strongest rebuke he could, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling for life on Tuesday for making racist comments in a recorded conversation. Silver also fined Sterling $2.5 million.