Footballers' Association back Rio's racism protest

Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand's decision to protest against the Kick It Out anti-racism campaign has been backed by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand, whose brother Anton was racially abused by Chelsea captain John Terry last year, did not wear a Kick It Out t-shirt in the pre-match warm-up before United's 4-2 win over Stoke on Saturday against boss Alex Ferguson's will. Ferguson has hinted he will punish Ferdinand for his actions, describing the incident as "embarrassing" and promising to "deal with it".

PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle told BBC Radio Five Live: "We will make sure Rio Ferdinand's rights as a human being, never mind as a footballer, are not undermined in this position."