Bemused Ferguson calls for tougher action on racism

Sir Alex Ferguson has called for the authorities to crack down hard on any new incident of racism in football.

The Manchester United manager has been close to the centre of one such controversy – his defender Patrice Evra was racially abused by Liverpool’s Luis Suarez, who has just completed the eight-match suspension imposed by the FA as punishment.

Suarez is set to come face to face with Evra again at Old Trafford on Saturday and Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has already stoked the fires ahead of the match by saying he doesn’t believe the Uruguayan should have been banned.

Other incidents have seen several fans arrested over allegations they racially abused players, while Chelsea defender John Terry is to stand trial in July to deny a charge that he racially abused Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, brother of United’s Rio Ferdinand.

Ferguson has been shocked by the re-emergence of the problem and says a tough line is needed.

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

Ferguson’s fellow Scot Dalglish risked re-igniting a row with United with his comments about Suarez after the striker came off the bench during Monday night’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham.

Dalglish said: “We don’t think he should ever have been away but we are delighted to get him back.”

United need to win against Liverpool to keep them in touch with Manchester City at the tope of the Premier League and Ferguson believes the point his side achieved at Chelsea, coming back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3, could prove crucial in the title race.

Ferguson admitted his mind was turning to “damage limitation” after Chelsea moved into a 3-0 lead after half-time at Stamford Bridge. He added: “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.’

“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.”