Man Utd defender Ferdinand admits becoming disillusioned with racism flashpoints

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he's become disillusioned with the game this season due to several racism flashpoints on the field.

There have also been scores of abusive messages sent to the likes of Stan Collymore on Twitter and Ferdinand has reassessed how successful numerous anti-racism initiatives have been.

"I almost feel I have been fooled a little bit over the years," said Ferdinand.

"Look back to the days when John Barnes and the other guys were playing and all the stuff they had to deal with, bananas on the pitch etc.

"I have always been someone who has championed our country for making great strides, and we have, but I thought that era was gone. It seems like it was just put to one side for a while.

"Now it seems to be a little bit more prominent. I hope it is just a group of small-minded people who are making it newsworthy at the moment and it can be stamped out."