I believe it was racist! Rio breaks his silence while brother Anton stands firm in Terry race row

Rio Ferdinand has broken his silence on the controversy that has rocked football by telling friends he believes England and Chelsea captain John Terry's clash with his younger brother, the QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, involved language that was 'blatantly racist'.

The 32-year-old Manchester United defender, England captain before Terry's reinstatement to the role last March, has watched television images of the moment in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at QPR when Terry is alleged to have used the words '****ing black ****' in an exchange with the younger Ferdinand.

Breaking his silence: Ferdinand believes the language Terry used was 'racist' 

Terry does not deny using the words, but claims the context in which he said them meant they could not be taken as racist abuse. The Chelsea captain insists that he was simply asking Ferdinand if he was accusing him of using the highly offensive phrase.

And the man at the centre of the storm, Anton, has revealed he won't be backing down either.

Allegation: Terry is accused of a racist slur against Ferdinand 

The QPR man said: 'I didn’t know racism still existed in football until last weekend. I thought we were past all that here. I had no idea it had happened until I left the ground. It was pretty shocking. It’s crazy, I can’t believe it.'

Ferdinand added in the People: 'I don’t need to say anything, it’s all on YouTube, everyone can see what he said. What do you think he said? Look, it’s with the FA now.'

Rio has told friends that he believes the onus is on the Football Association to establish, once and for all, whether Terry is guilty of using racist language or not.

And Ferdinand's manager at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson, has added his weight to the affair by calling on the FA to show 'responsibility' in dealing with players found guilty of making racist comments and backing his vice-captain, Patrice Evra, in his own race-related dispute with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

Ferguson said: 'I can't believe this is an issue in 2011 given the number of black players who have played in our game over the last 25 years. At our club, we have had fantastic [black] players with great personalities and I have been very lucky to have them.'

Centre of attention: Ferguson has lent his support to Evra (centre) 

Ferguson's comments came as a well-known member of the black footballing community, former Arsenal player Paul Davis, claimed that United and QPR were not giving as much support to Evra and Ferdinand as Liverpool and Chelsea were giving to Suarez and Terry.

Davis, now a respected coach with the players' union, said: 'It is double standards and might prevent other black players from speaking out.'

Ferguson chose to break his silence on Evra's claim that Suarez racially abused him despite the club's wish not to comment until an FA investigation is complete.

In the spotlight: Terry's actions are being investigated by the FA 

Anton Ferdinand is understood to have discussed the Terry affair with his older brother, other family members and his club.

The 26-year-old has told them that he was not aware of Terry using abusive language during the game itself, which is said to explain why, when the Chelsea captain spoke to him in the dressing room after the match last Sunday, there was no apparent problem between the two men.

However, after later seeing video footage of the game and hearing that Terry had effectively admitted using the offensive phrase in some capacity, Ferdinand and QPR considered whether to take further action.

On his knees: Terry scored against Arsenal but could do nothing to prevent the 5-3 defeat to Arsenal 

The club and their advisers spent Tuesday locked in talks on the affair and later made a formal request to the FA for an investigation.

On Friday, staff from the FA's governance and regulation department visited Chelsea's training ground in Cobham, Surrey, and questioned Terry about the allegation.

Ferdinand, expected to be in QPR's team to face Tottenham at White Hart lane today, said: 'The last few days have been crazy, but I'm looking forward to Sunday's game and fully focused on football.

'Anyone who knows me will know that whatever's going on, football's always going to be my No 1 priority.'

Terry scored once yesterday but could not prevent Chelsea losing 5-3 at home to Arsenal.

Everton 0 Manchester United 1: Panic over as Ferguson shuts up shop

Crisis, what crisis? Sir Alex Ferguson changed half the Manchester United team shamed 6-1 last Sunday and the response was a dogged clean sheet and victory to send out an important message to noisy neighbours Manchester City.

You would never have guessed by the absence of emotion on Ferguson's face when Javier Hernandez volleyed what proved to be the winner but this was a crucial victory for the champions.

On the mark: Javier Hernandez strikes in the first half at Goodison Park

The way Manchester City took them apart at Old Trafford was a humiliation never previously suffered in his 25 years at the club. The response was to go back to basics, with a twist.

Rio Ferdinand, Nani and Anderson were axed and captain Nemanja Vidic returned for his first Premier League game since August. But most significantly of all, Rooney - the goal machine seemingly destined to become the record goalscorer for United and England - was deployed deep in midfield to make his team harder to break down.

'The fact is we have conceded so many chances recently and we have to reduce that if we are going to win the [Premier] League,' said Ferguson. 'And today we didn't have any problems.'

The plan worked well. Rooney's role, so deep he was often standing behind Tom Cleverley, meant United lacked their usual thrilling intent in attack. But having shipped so many goals recently, they were delighted to reduce Everton to half-chances, except for a Leighton Baines freekick that hit the crossbar.

'Resolute', was the description of United's performance by beaten manager David Moyes, while Ferguson reiterated his view that last weekend's setback was never going to be terminal.

Pointing the way: Hernandez celebrates his goal with Darren Fletcher

Race for the ball: Ji-Sung Park (left) and Johnny Heitinga battle it out

'What you see in the League at the moment may not be the same come May,' he said. 'We hope and expect to be up there at the end of the season, there is no question of that.'

There is no doubt that the fact Everton were missing the injured Phil Neville, Sylvain Distin and Tim Cahill, with Royston Drenthe suspended, helped United.

No way through: Leon Osman tries to get past United defender Nemanja Vidic

Ferguson's team selection suggested adventure with Hernandez, Danny Welbeck and Rooney named in the same starting line-up for the first time. The reality was different and the performance was determined rather than dazzling.

Hernandez operated as a lone striker, Rooney played nearer the centre circle than the penalty area, as if auditioning for the Paul Scholes role long-term.

Diving for cover: Phil Jagielka clears the danger from Danny Welbeck

'It surprised us to see him there, and we were outnumbered in midfield to begin with,' admitted Moyes. Ironically, it was one of Rooney's rare sorties into the Everton penalty area that helped produce the goal. Smart touches by Cleverley and Welbeck released the excellent Patrice Evra down the left and he struck a beautifully shaped cross into the penalty area.

Rooney ran to the near post and he failed to connect with his head but his distracting presence allowed Hernandez to find a yard of space inside the six-yard box. It was all the Mexican needed and his volley gave Tim Howard no hope.

Stop him! Park and Hernandez attempt to halt Leighton Baines

Watching on: Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and David Moyes keep track of the action

Guess who? Is that you, Wayne?

Instead of folding, Everton pressed and the champions dug in. Hernandez bravely broke from the wall to take the impact of a fierce Louis Saha free-kick. Jack Rodwell shot wide and, after Darren Fletcher sent Marouane Fellaini tumbling, Baines curled a free-kick against the crossbar with David de Gea rooted to the spot.

Everton tried to apply more pressure in the second half and a flying De Gea made an unorthodox save from Rodwell with his face. There was a late panic in the United penalty area when Evra and Phil Jones got in each other's way, but Rodwell was off-target. In attack, United created little. When Cleverley released Hernandez in the second half, the Mexican looked around for support - only to see Rooney sticking to his post near the centre circle.

'We rode our luck with the freekick that hit the bar. But we battled in the second half and got the result we wanted,' said Ferguson. Next weekend, Ferguson will celebrate his silver jubilee at United and a 75-foot banner will be unfurled at the Stretford End proclaiming: 'The impossible dream, made possible'.

Winning a 20th title may indeed be possible for United. But it might not be pretty to watch.

Ferdinand is left to sweat on bleak future as Vidic takes all the plaudits

Rio Ferdinand was dumped on to the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson at Everton, the most high-profile casualty of United's 6-1 humiliation by Manchester City.

Ferdinand's future, for England and United, looks bleak, with Fabio Capello set to announce his squad next week for the friendlies against Spain and Sweden. And Ferguson went out of his way to praise Nemanja Vidic.

Not wanted: Ferdinand on the bench

Ferguson axed Michael Carrick and Anderson from his 18 and also demoted Nani to the bench. At least Ferdinand put on a brave face when he tweeted after United's 1-0 win at Goodison: 'Great result today. Bouncing back is the way to go.'

But can he bounce back? Jonny Evans, sent off against City, was preferred as partner to Vidic after serving his one-match ban in the midweek Carling Cup tie at Aldershot. Capello has said he will not pick players who are not in their club sides.

Ferguson said his attitude to the City defeat was 'to completely forget it it never happened'.

He was clearly relieved to get his team back on track, however. 'In the second half we defended well and that was the pleasing aspect for me,' said the United boss.

'It was a fantastic performance by Vidic. Every ball that came into our box he got clear. That's his speciality. It was key for us.' 

Ferguson played Wayne Rooney in a midfield role and explained: 'There have been so many chances against us recently and, if we are going to win the League, we have to reduce those statistics.'

Man United defender Smalling ruled out for one month with broken foot

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has been ruled out for a month with a broken foot, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed.

The 21-year-old missed Saturday's Barclays Premier League win at Everton with the injury.

Crocked: Smalling will miss one month of action with a broken foot 

Smalling's lay-off means he will miss England's November friendlies against Spain and Sweden.

Ferguson told MUTV: 'Smalling has a small fracture on his foot. 'I think he'll be out for a month and it's unfortunate that one.'

Sidelined: Young is also expected to be out for a fortnight 

Ferguson also revealed that he expects winger Ashley Young to be sidelined for at least another fortnight with his toe injury. The former Aston Villa player was also ruled out of the 2-1 victory at Goodison Park.

'He should be okay': Cleverley limped off in the win 

Ferguson said: 'Ashley Young has a toe injury that is not going away so he could be out for a couple of weeks.'

Ferguson, however, was more upbeat about midfielder Tom Cleverley, who limped off during the second half on Merseyside with an ankle problem.

The 22-year-old only returned from a six-week lay-off with a foot injury in Tuesday's Carling Cup win at Aldershot.

Ferguson said: 'He's felt his ankle again. It's nothing serious, just tightness and tiredness. "It's his first real game back, although he played on Tuesday of course.

'He should be okay next week and it was an excellent performance from him in the first half.'

Exclusive: Don't kick out Rooney... says the Montenegro player on the end of THAT kick

The Montenegro player Wayne Rooney fouled to get himself sent off and banned for three matches has written to UEFA pleading for leniency should the Football Association now appeal.

Miodrag Dzudovic has teamed up with Russian daily sports newspaper Soviet Sport and sent a letter directly to UEFA president Michel Platini, citing the fact that Rooney apologised and arguing that he committed the foul in ‘desperation’ rather than ‘anger’.

In an impressive act of sportsmanship,Dzudovic insists Rooney does not deserve a three-match ban because he was ‘provoked by problems his family had to face a short time before the game’.  

Lashing out: Wayne Rooney kicks Montenegro's Miodrag Dzudovic

The FA will not decide whether to appeal against the suspension that rules out Rooney for the first three matches of next summer’s European Championships until they receive the written explanation from UEFA’s disciplinary body, which is expected to arrive next week.

But Dzudovic hopes his letter will have some influence on the situation should the FA try and get the ban reduced.

Signed by Dzudovic, the letter says: ‘Miodrag would like to underline that he didn’t notice any signs of aggression in Rooney’s actions. In his opinion the England national team player was driven by emotions and it was an act of desperation rather than anger.

Punished: Rooney was banned for three matches by UEFA

Red letter day: Dzudovic has written to UEFA pleading for leniency in Rooney's case

‘The most important detail we ask to take notice of is Wayne Rooney’s apology. He realised his fault and felt guilty. UEFA pay so much attention to ‘Fair Play’ principles but Wayne’s behaviour is the brightest example of fairness. It is a rare case when a player leaves the field blaming no one but himself after being sent off.

In our opinion Wayne Rooney shouldn’t be banned even for a single game. We hope to be heard in UEFA.’

Soviet Sport have received a response from UEFA, who said that, because the disciplinary committees are independent, the president cannot intervene, but the letter has been sent on.

Smalling to miss England's friendlies after breaking bone in foot

Chris Smalling will miss England's November friendlies against Spain and Sweden after the Manchester United defender was ruled out for three weeks on Friday with a cracked bone in his foot.

Smalling, 21, is believed to have suffered the injury in the Champions League tie against Otelul Galati and then aggravated it in the Manchester derby.

Ruled out: Chris Smalling (left) will miss International friendlies

Fergie: They'll always think of Wayne as a traitor... but he can handle it

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Wayne Rooney to keep a cool head on his return to Goodison Park today even though he will be 'treated like a traitor' by Everton fans.

The Manchester United boss kept Rooney out of last season's trip to his old club due to the abuse he receives, and admitted replacing the Croxteth-born striker in a 1-1 draw at Goodison three years ago because he was in danger of being sent off.

Take that: Rooney gestures to Everton fans at Goodison Park 

Rooney, who could even start in midfield today, is expected to face another torrent of abuse.

But Ferguson is confident the 25-year-old will take it in his stride, despite the flash of anger that brought him a red card for England in Macedonia.

'You know what fans are like,' said Ferguson. 'He's a traitor as far as they're concerned, and he's never going to change that. I don't think people thrive on abuse but you can cope with it.

'He's well used to that, it's not a problem. He's had mixed success going to Everton, and scored a couple of goals there in previous games.

'But he got booked in one game and I took him off because there was no way I was going to give the referee an opportunity to send him off. With the hype around the ground, he's going to be booed every time he makes a challenge.'

Back to haunt Toffees: Rooney celebrates scoring against Everton in 2007

Ferguson has promised a response to Sunday's stunning 6-1 Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford, but admitted that he is determined to wipe the bitter memory from his mind.

He said: 'We can analyse last week's game as much as we want but it's not going to do us any good. My attitude is to completely forget it. It never happened. It's not going to do us any good going back on that game.

'It's been a tough week for everyone. Now we can show Manchester United in our proper light, and we didn't do that last week.

'We have the experiences of being able to recover many times. We lost 5-0 to Newcastle in 1996 and won the League by seven points.'