Ferguson alarmed by racism row

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that the recent cases of racist conduct are alarming and are only ruining the image of the Premier League.

United's very own Patrice Evra was allegedly on the receiving end of racist remarks by Luis Suarez during the match against Liverpool, and a separate incident saw Chelsea captain John Terry being caught on camera mouthing racial slurs to QPR centre back Anton Ferdinand.

Both incidents are currently being investigated by the English FA.

Ferguson himself is disgusted and cannot believe that there is still place for racism in today's world.

"There's no doubt in my mind what happened at Anfield with Patrice but it's the FA's responsibility to sort it out," Ferguson said.

"We spoke to them a few days ago, they are doing their work and we will leave the matter in their hands. But I'm very surprised that this sort of thing is happening now.

"I don't know if it's just a coincidence that two cases are going on, let's hope we don't get three, but this is 2011, for goodness sake.

"I can't believe there is any sort of issue over race in the game given the number of black players who take part. It's such a rare, rare occurrence for this sort of thing to surface.

"I can't even remember the last time allegations of this sort were levelled against a player."

"Everyone knows the contribution black players have made to modern day football, and have been doing for many years, so it's surprising to have this happening now," he said.

"Just within our own club we have had some fantastic players with great personalities, and we've been very lucky to have them.

"That's the biggest thing that's changed in the game in my 25 years.

"All we dealt with back then were English players, or British players at least. It has been a great challenge for me, and for other managers, to deal with all the different cultures and nationalities you find in football now."