Ferguson wants racism stamped out

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that there is no place for racism in football, and that he fears that it may be re-entering the game.

The cases of Luis Suarez and John Terry have dominated the sport over the last number of months, with the Liverpool striker serving an eight match-ban for comments made to Patrice Evra and the Chelsea defender to stand trial in July regarding claims made by Anton Ferdinand.

Ferguson has stated that the game must be tough on potential racism cases, and that players of different ethnicities deserve respect.

“I don’t understand at all where it’s coming from, to be honest with you, I don’t understand it at all,” Ferguson told The Independent.

“This is a moment where we have to take stock and we should do something about it if it’s surfacing again, and be really hard and firm on any form or shape of racism.

“There have been a couple of examples recently which is not good. In 2012, you can’t believe it. It was obvious maybe 20 years ago and the improvements have been for everyone to see.

“I have had some fantastic black players, absolutely magnificent black players, and with every one of them I have enjoyed my working relationship with them.

“But this is a moment where we have to take stock. I think we should do something about it if it’s surfacing again, and be really hard and firm on any form or shape of racism,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight