Anton Ferdinand speaks but stays silent on Terry race row

The defender at the centre of the racism row which has engulfed the front and back pages this week has spoken to the media about the allegations.

But QPR's Anton Ferdinand has said nothing about the allegations that England captain John Terry had shouted 'you ******* black ****’ during QPR's clash with Chelsea in the Premier League last Sunday.

The alleged incident is now being investigated by the Football Association while the police have made enquiries.

Terry has denied the allegations, issuing a statement a few hours after the game saying that he thought Ferdinand had accused him of making a racist slur and “responded aggressively, saying that I never used that term”.

Ferdinand's thoughts on the incident have been much sought-after and he has been given the support of a number of individuals, not least his cousin and former QPR striker Sir Les Ferdinand as well as anti-racism and social inclusion group Kick It Out.

Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out, who was the recipient of the Keith Alexander Award at the annual Black List Awards this week, spoke about the Ferdinand-Terry affair as well as another high profile incident where Manchester United defender Patrice Evra accused Liverpool's Luis Suarez of racial abuse.

He said,

"This is worrying and potentially very damaging. What happens at the top end of the game has an impact at grass roots level and at parks pitches across the country. Kick It Out condemns discrimination in any form and hopes matters are investigated properly. In the meantime, the work Kick It Out does with groups and individuals, including players and fans at professional and community level, will continue in stamping out discrimination and unacceptable behaviour in all its forms."

Ferdinand spoke to the Telegraph explaining how the past week has been "crazy". But the QPR defender chose not to speak or refer to the situation with Terry.

He said,

“The last few days have been crazy. But I’m looking forward to Sunday’s game (with Tottenham) and fully focused on football. Anyone who knows me will know that whatever’s going on, football’s always going to be my number one priority. I can’t wait for Sunday’s game: a derby, a very big game.”

Perhaps it is wise for Ferdinand not to go to the media and speak about the alleged incident while there are investigations taking place. But if there is a case of foul play, then silence does not remain an option.