“I don’t understand at all where it’s coming from,” Ferguson reportedly told CNN. “This is a moment where we have to take stock and we should do something about it if it’s surfacing again, and be really hard and firm on any form or shape of racism.
“There have been a couple of examples recently which is not good. In 2012, you can’t believe it. It was obvious maybe 20 years ago and the improvements have been for everyone to see.”
Recent high-profile cases of on-field racism have brought the issue to the forefront of public attention. Chelsea’s John Terry was stripped of the England captaincy as he battles a court case stemming from charges of racially abusing an opponent. Liverpool’s Luis Suarez was banned eight games by the FA for allegedly committing a similar offense.
Ferguson has been in charge of United club since 1986, and racism was more prevalent on the field (and in the stands) back then. He may be worried the image of the English game could suffer because of incidents like these.
Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore recently said the high-profile racism cases haven’t harmed the league. That they are dealt with swiftly shows how serious authorities are taking the issue, according to Scudamore.
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