Sir Alex Ferguson Welcomes Rio And Anton Ferdinand Kick It Out Statement

Ferguson Welcomes Ferdinands' Statement

Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed Rio and Anton Ferdinand's decision to release a statement after their boycott of the Kick It Out campaign.

Rio's decision not to don a T-shirt prior to Manchester United's match with Stoke City last week angered Ferguson, who said it was "embarrassing" and promised Ferdinand would "be dealt with".

But Ferguson, who spoke with Ferdinand last Sunday as the duo thrashed out their opinions over the issue, opined the brothers were sensible to air their views on the matter.

Rio Ferdinand has displayed solidarity with his brother

"Rio and Anton have done the right thing with that statement," Ferguson said.

"It has been bubbling along and the racism issue has not completely gone away. I am sure the PFA are doing their best. The FA, UEFA and FIFA need to do more."

Their joint statement hailed the "fantastic work" done by Kick It Out, but still expresse disappointment at the actions of the Football Association in relation to its handling of the John Terry case. The Chelsea defender was given a four-match ban for racially insulting Anton Ferdinand.

United attacker Shinji Kagawa meanwhile has been ruled out for three to four weeks after he suffered a knee injury in the 3-2 win against Braga.

Kagawa was withdrawn at half-time having struggled through the remainder of the half, assisting Javier Hernández's first goal as United fought back from 2-0 down to win their third successive Champions League group stage match.

"He is out for three to four weeks with a knee injury. Playing on Tuesday (against Braga in the Champions League) didn't help. It is disappointing," Ferguson said at his Friday morning press conference.

Kagawa hurt his knee against Braga

Kagawa will miss the Premier League and League Cup double-header at Chelsea, fixtures against Arsenal, Braga, Aston Villa and Norwich City but could return for the penultimate Champions League game away at Galatasaray.

On the upside for United, Ferguson reported defender Chris Smalling was back in training following a broken metatarsal, as well as Phil Jones, who has been recovering from a knee injury.

"That is a big bonus for us," he added. "Phil Jones should start (training) a week on Monday as well."

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