Fergie welcomes Ferdinand statement

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed the statement released this week by Rio and Anton Ferdinand regarding their stance on racism in football.

PA PhotosAnton and Rio Ferdinand are happy to join the discussion on tackling racism in football

• Chelsea v Man United preview

The subject of racism in the game has been highlighted in recent weeks after Chelsea captain John Terry was banned for four games by the Football Association for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

Anton's brother, Rio, is set to face Chelsea this weekend when the two sides meet on Sunday, a week after the two brothers chose not to wear Kick It Out T-shirts to signify their frustration at a lack of progress made by the body.

Ferguson accepts there is still work to be done to tackle racism, and has, like the Ferdinand brothers, urged the governing bodies to take be more proactive in their bid to stamp it out of the game.

"Rio and Anton did the right thing," he 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 the actual game itself [on Sunday] I think we just need to carry on and concentrate on the football side."