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Ferguson fumes at Rio T-shirt snub

Rio Ferdinand opted not to wear the Kick It Out T-shirt © Getty Images

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• Profile: Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand will face the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson after the defender refused to support the PFA's anti-racism campaign before Manchester United's win over Stoke.

Wayne Rooney scored at both ends as United came from behind to beat the Potters 4-2 at Old Trafford, but it was Ferdinand's decision not to wear a T-Shirt with the slogan 'Kick It Out' that was the talking point before kick-off.

While his team-mates warmed up in the black garments, Ferdinand stood out as he trained in a red United tracksuit top in protest at what he sees as a lack of action by the PFA to combat racism in football.

Ferguson had said on Friday that his players would wear the shirts and, clearly disappointed by his defender, the Scot confirmed that Ferdinand would be disciplined for his act of rebellion.

"I am disappointed. I said that the players would be wearing it in support of the PFA and that every player should adhere to it," Ferguson told MUTV. "And he goes and lets us down. We will deal with it, don't worry."

Reading's Jason Roberts also refused to wear the T-shirt while he warmed up at Anfield on Saturday, but his manager Brian McDermott fully supported his striker's decision.

"I spoke to Jason about that and he was very clear in his views, so I supported him 100 per cent," McDermott said. "He had his reasons and I support him.

"What's gone on this week when you consider what's happened with Danny Rose...I wrote to Danny Rose because I thought he conducted himself incredibly well and looks like a really good guy. Hopefully, we can put these issues to bed because it just doesn't belong in society and it certainly doesn't belong in football.

"It's an emotive subject and rightly so. People feel very, very strongly. I know that I can only speak for my players and I can speak for Jason, who feels very strongly about this. I back Jason 100 per cent."

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