FA chairman David Bernstein condemns Manchester derby unrest and wants life bans

FA chairman David Bernstein has called for life bans for troublemakers in the wake of the ugly scenes that marred Sunday's Manchester derby.

Rio Ferdinand was struck by an object thrown from a section of City supporters as he celebrated the last-gasp Robin van Persie strike that gave Manchester United a dramatic 3-2 win over their fierce rivals.

Home goalkeeper Joe Hart then had to step in to prevent the United defender being confronted by a City fan who came on to the pitch as order was being restored.

Bernstein condemned the incidents, which are being investigated by the FA and Greater Manchester Police, as "deplorable" and said the perpetrators must be "dealt with severely".

"To see Rio Ferdinand with blood on his face is absolutely terrible. It's sad to see such a fantastic match followed by these headlines."
David Bernstein

"What's happened is totally unacceptacle, deplorable," Bernstein told Sky Sports News.

"To see Rio Ferdinand with blood on his face is absolutely terrible. It's sad to see such a fantastic match followed by these headlines.

"It's disturbing that we're seeing a recurrence of these sorts of incidents. We've had some racial abuse incidents, pitch incursions, things being thrown at players.

"It's very unacceptable. It's for the FA, the whole game of football, the authorities to work together and deal with it in a most severe manner. I believe that if necessary these people need to go to the court and be banned for life, if they're found out.

"It's a social problem. I think there's a copycat thing, so it's important to bring matters to a head. We will do everything we can to stop this blot on the game."

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