Ferdinand Brothers, Jason Roberts to Boycott Anti-Racism Campaign

Players across England this weekend are expected to wear T-shirts that read “Kick it Out,” referring to racism, which have been given to the players by an activist group of the samename. But Sky Sports reports that brothers Anton and Rio Ferdinand of QPR and Manchester United, respectively, will join Reading striker JasonRoberts in boycotting the anti-racism campaign.

In an interview with Sky Sports on Thursday, Roberts said he would boycott wearing the shirt after Chelsea defender JohnTerry’s decision not to appeal the English Football Association’s judgment against him for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a match last year. He believes that boycotting willsend a strong message that Terry’s punishment — a four-game ban and fine of $354,000 — is insufficient for the crime.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson saidthat refusing to wear the T-shirts sends the wrong message. “I completely disagree with Jason Roberts,” he said.  “I don’t know what point he’s trying to make, whether he’s trying toput himself on a different pedestal from everyone, but when you do something and everyone believes in it, you should do it together.”