Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants football authorities to do more to combat racism

Manchester United boss Sit Alex Ferguson has called for football's governing bodies to do more to combat racism in the game.

The United boss was highly critical of Rio Ferdinand's decision not to wear a T-shirt in support of the Kick It Out campaign last weekend, and he was followed by his brother Anton the next day.

But Ferguson has welcomed the statement of peace from the Ferdinand family, and it is expected that Rio will shake hands with Ashley Cole prior to Sunday's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The England team-mates were embroiled in a race row earlier this year, while John Terry is suspended for Sunday's encounter having been found guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

"The awareness is getting stronger and the PFA are doing their best to support it. But the FA, UEFA and FIFA have got to do more. That is without question.nn"
Sir Alex Ferguson

The Ferdinand brothers issued a statement expressing their disappointment at the actions of the FA and PFA, but they are keen to "work with football's existing organisations towards the betterment of the game".

"Rio and Anton did the right thing," Ferguson said. "But the race issue is bubbling along. It's not just completely gone away.

"The awareness is getting stronger and the PFA are doing their best to support it. But the FA, UEFA and FIFA have got to do more. That is without question.

"As far as Sunday's actual game itself I think we just need to carry on and concentrate on the football side."