Ferdinand brothers frustrated with FA and PFA

Anton and Rio Ferdinand have voiced their disappointment with the Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Association in response to their recent actions towards racism in the game.

Both Ferdinand brothers refused to wear the Kick-It-Out t-shirt during last weekend’s Premier League fixtures, for which the Manchester United and QPR pair received some criticism.

The brothers released a statement through their management company, Era Global Sports, which said:

“It has been a year since the incident at Loftus Road.

“During that time, some of the deep divisions that exist in football have been exposed.

“In the coming months there will be on-going discussions, we are sure, on finding a way forward.

“We intend to participate in these discussions, along with numerous other current and ex-professionals of all races, from the grass roots upwards, across the football community as a whole.

“On the issue of Kick It Out, we would like to go on record to say what fantastic work they have done in the past regarding education and awareness.

“However, times change and organisations need to change with them.

“We are more than happy to join the discussion, privately, to make Kick it Out more relevant in its fight to stamp out racism in football.

“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 and to achieve immediate action.”