Sir Alex Ferguson calls for a tough line against racism

With some in football seemingly wanting to brush the issue of racism under the carpet, it is good to see Sir Alex Ferguson not only address the issue, but wanting to take firm stance against it.

The Manchester United manager spoke ahead of his team's Premier League clash with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday.

This will be the first league meeting between the two sides since Liverpool's Luis Suarez served an eight-match ban for racially abusing United's Patrice Evra back in October.

The two teams met only last month in an FA Cup clash at Anfield, where Evra was routinely booed by the home crowd.

There have also been a number of other incidents on and off the pitch which is of grave concern to those fighting to eradicate racism and other forms of discrimination from football as well as society.

Other incidents include current and former players being abused by fans in the terraces and on social media site Twitter. Chelsea defender John Terry is to stand trial in July to deny a charge that he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand, brother of United's Rio Ferdinand.

Ferguson said he was surprised that issues of racism had resurfaced in football and wants the football fraternity to take a firm stance against discrimination.

"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.

He added,

"In 2012 you can't believe it. It was obvious maybe 20 years ago and the improvements have been there for everyone to see. I have had some fantastic black players, absolutely magnificent black players, and with every one of them I have enjoyed my working relationship with them."