Manchester United Players Would Receive Sir Alex Ferguson's Backing Over Racism Protests

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would back his players if they walked off the pitch due to racist abuse.

Racism in football has once again come under scrutiny after Danny Rose was discriminated against in England Under 21's recent match against Serbia.

And Ferguson thinks any of his players would be within their rights to make a protest by leaving the field during a game if they were victims of abuse.

"I have not seen what happened with England in Serbia, I have only taken in what I've read," said the Scot in The People.

"But I do not think it is any different to what has happened in previous games in that particular place and in quite a few other places.

"Italy is the same. You hear them abusing black players. Do the players walk off? I would not blame them - and that could happen at some point."

Ferguson added: "If it was one of my players who walked off, you would have to support them."

The United boss was angered on Saturday when Rio Ferdinand refused to wear an anti-racism T-Shirt in the warm-up to facing Stoke City.