Rio Ferdinand shocked by rasism claims

An offensive song was said to be aimed at Manchester United defender Rio, who pulled out of the England squad, and QPR centre-back Anton.

"You expect and accept banter from fans on the terraces as it's part of what makes the game great," Rio tweeted.

"But racism is not banter and from your own fans - WOW."

However, the 34-year-old former West Ham and Leeds player added: "Always a small minority who ruin it for others."

He later wrote: "Let's not jump to conclusions and assume though, as it might just have been banter. We'll see after the investigation."

Ferdinand's comments came after the football anti-racism network Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare) filed a complaint to world governing body Fifa on Thursday. Fare did not have its own observers at the match and said it had pulled together evidence, including "media comment".

The Press Association reports that some England fans sang a song suggesting the brothers should be burned on a bonfire.

It has been claimed the song had racist overtones because Anton was racially abused by former England captain John Terry.

The Football Association said it would not comment while it was awaiting notification from Fare about its report to Fifa.

Fare executive director Piara Power said he felt the song had an "undercurrent of race" but added it was "certainly an usual report".

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