Ferdinand blasts racist attitude

Rio Ferdinand said it had been frustrating watching his younger brother Anton suffer the abuse of "small-minded people" because of the John Terry racism case and that he too was disillusioned by the racism issues blighting English soccer.

The England and Manchester United defender broke his silence for the first time over the issue which has led to the Chelsea captain being stripped of the England captaincy and facing a trial in July for his alleged remarks towards the younger Ferdinand, who plays for Queens Park Rangers.

"Anton is my little brother," Rio told BBC's Football Focus programme. "We have grown up together and I have looked after him since we were kids. If something is going to affect him and hurt him, I am always there as a shoulder to lean on.

"In moments like this, when things are so public and you can't really say anything, it can be frustrating.

"For my family it has been tough. At the end of the day, my brother has not brought any accusations to anyone. He is not the accused.”