By NEIL CUSTIS
FURIOUS Alex Ferguson accused Rio Ferdinand of embarrassing him after boycotting an anti- racism initiative.
The England defender will be fined two weeks’ wages of £220,000 with his Manchester United future in doubt.
Fergie said: “He will be dealt with, no doubt about that. I’m disappointed with Rio for not wearing the T-shirt. It’s an embarrassment for me.”
Ferdinand was the only United player who refused to wear a Kick it Out warm-up top before yesterday’s 4-2 win against Stoke.
His protest was in direct defiance of Ferguson who had said on the eve of the game there would be no boycott.
The Old Trafford boss said: “I’m very disappointed because I said in the Press conference yesterday the players would be wearing it.
“We’re all wearing the badges and he goes and lets us down. But we’ll deal with it, don’t worry.”
Ferdinand was undoubtedly refusing to wear the top in protest at the punishment John Terry received after being found guilty by the FA of racially abusing his brother Anton.
Terry received a four-game ban and a fine of £220,000.
Reading’s Jason Roberts had already revealed he would boycott the Kick it Out initiative believing not enough was being done to tackle racism in football.
That had prompted Ferguson to criticise Roberts saying all the players had to stick together and insisted all the United stars would wear the tops.
Ferguson stated: “I have to disagree with Jason Roberts, he is making the wrong point. Everyone should be united.”
Stoke’s Kenwyne Jones also refused to wear the top at Old Trafford. He carried it onto the pitch but then dropped it before warming up.
Roberts also did not wear the T-shirt at Liverpool, but he received the backing of his boss Brian McDermott.
McDermott said: “I spoke to Jason at length and he was very clear in his viewnot enough is being done, so I support him 100 per cent.”
Some Swansea players also refused to put it on and they were supported by the rest of the squad. Wigan players then backed their decision.
Ex-Arsenal star Paul Davis, a Kick it Out ambassador for 12 years, admitted: “It’s definitely not a good sign for the organisation but it’s not the end. Ultimately it will come back stronger from this.”
