UNDERMINED BY TERRY SAGA

It is unfortunate that Anton Ferdinand, who has had a solid first season for relegation survivors QPR, will be better remembered for his confrontation with Chelsea captain John Terry rather than any of his performances this season.

Terry who stands trial in July is accused of racially abusing Ferdinand during a QRP home game in October. Since this event Ferdinand has received what he described as “extreme treatment” since accusing Terry of the racial abuse.

Ferdinand has not only suffered at the hands of cruelty in the shape of terrace chants but more threatening and sinister forms of victimisation has occurred in the forms of personal letters and death threats aimed at the 27 year old defender. Anton Ferdinand has done well not to let this get the better of him and continues to behave in a dignified and professional manner, but he has spoken out on how black player who have been at the centre of these racism disputes have been treated, by fans and the press.

The QPR defender has been strongly supported by older brother and Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand, whose teammate Patrice Evra was racially abused by Liverpool striker Suarez. Had Rio not been injured late in the season England Manager Roy Hodgson would have had a difficult decision to make on picking Terry and Ferdinand together after the unsavoury situation with Rio’s brother.

Regardless of the decision that Terry receives in July, it would be a disgrace to see the abuse directed at Anton Ferdinand continue and should Terry be found guilty, there needs to be a significant punishment installed to take this out of football for good as it has been a far too common feature this season and needs properly addressing by the FA.