Ferguson urges tough action on racism

Sir Alex Ferguson has called for ‘hard and firm’ action on any forms of racism following a recent spate of incidents.

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was recently found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra, which resulted in the Uruguayan being handed an eight-game ban.

Chelsea’s John Terry is scheduled to face the same charges in July after an incident with QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

In addition a number of fans have been accused of racist abuse towards players, with many facing arrest, and these events have shocked the Manchester United manager.

“I don’t understand at all where it’s coming from,” Ferguson told CNN.

“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.”

The 70-year-old also discussed United’s recent 3-3 draw against Chelsea and revealed he was thinking the worse when his side went 3-0 down.

“It was a funny thing, in the first half we dominated it and then came the own goal and at half-time we were saying ‘we are going to win this match as we are the better team’,” Ferguson said.

“But after losing two goals in a few minutes after half-time at that moment we were thinking damage limitation, get home and start again.”

“But in true fashion in terms of the character and history of the football club they never gave in and kept going and deserved a point and that point may be one that does it for us – you never know.”