Ferdinand brothers criticise FA and PFA but vow to back anti-racism campaign for football
MANCHESTER United star Rio Ferdinand and his brother Anton, of QPR, last night criticised the Football Association and players’ union the PFA, but vowed to work with them to improve anti-racism efforts in English football.
The Ferdinands are thought to be disillusioned by repercussions from the John Terry affair, which saw the Chelsea captain banned for four games after being found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Anton 12 months ago.
“Although we have been left disappointed by the PFA and the FA’s actions over the last year, as a family, we are committed to working with football’s existing organisations towards the betterment of the game,” they said in a joint statement.
Terry was included in England’s Euro 2012 squad and Rio left out, after the pair fell out over the incident. Chelsea have retained Terry, who was acquitted in a criminal court case in July, as skipper despite the FA’s verdict.
The Ferdinands spoke out after the PFA yesterday responded to recent criticism by issuing a six-point plan to combat racism and discrimination.