Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will feel like he's been slapped in the face by Rio Ferdinand this morning.

Ferguson accused Ferdinand of embarrassing him after boycotting an anti- racism initiative.

The defender's decision to not wear the 'Kick it Out' t-shirt came as he was defended by Fergie in his match programme notes for the game with Stoke City.

He said: "I don't think the John Terry controversy has done our man any favours.

"I feel Rio Ferdinand has rather caught the backwash in terms of his England international career."

He had sympathy for Ferdinand - but no more.