By Alastair Talbot for Dailymail.Com
00:53 June 3, 2023, updated 02:25 June 3, 2023
Anton Ferdinand has opened up about an incident of racial abuse that occurred during a 7v7 match involving Western Ham United in the United States, praising the efforts of tournament organizers TST in the process.
Speaking to journalists after Hammers win 4-3 against Culture By Mo Ali FC in Carry, North CarolinaOn Friday, the former Premier League defender, who was subjected to racist abuse while playing, said: “I have to go on the record and say that the topic of conversation that was laid bare yesterday is more vast as football.”
“And the way TST dealt with the problem, so quickly – the pragmatic action. There are many people and organizations around the world who can support them.
“The support they have given us as a team and as a team, not just for us but for the staff here with us, has been second to none. We must remember that this is not about not just a football issue. It’s a societal problem that needs to be solved and if more people dressed the way TST solved it, the world would be a better place.
On Thursday, TST officials announced that a Dallas United player used a racist slur towards a West Ham player. Tournament organizers initially believed the insult was directed at Ferdinand, but later clarified that it was aimed at player Frank Nouble.
Dallas withdrew from the tournament on Friday, insisting the decision was of their own choosing, despite reports elsewhere claiming they had been disqualified.
Following the shocking incident, tournament organizers said: “Having conducted an investigation into the final moments of the match between West Ham United and Dallas United, we have concluded that Dallas United violated the TST Code of Conduct.
“We have been in dialogue with the management of both clubs and we all agree that the best path forward is for Dallas United to withdraw from the competition.”
Nouble heated up with the accused Dallas United player and, after the altercation, he and his teammates, including Ferdinand, had discussions on the team bench with officials before deciding to leave the field.
When asked if West Ham players considered not playing again after the incident, Ferdinand replied: “It was definitely a possibility.”
“As I said earlier, the topic of conversation went beyond football. It’s not just people of ethnic background who are facing this problem. Every race, every color creed needs to approach the problem equally manner than ethnic minorities.
“Taking a stand is difficult because when I was on the other side as a player and playing competitively for a living, if someone told me ‘get off the field’, the competitor in me would fight in my mind. But I’m not anymore. And I have a duty, given what I believe in myself, to make sure that if I find myself in those situations, I use my voice in the best way possible.
“And not just me, but as a team as a whole. The whole club did it and that’s why I’m proud, with my chest open and with this badge on me.
Asked if any Dallas United players had made contact with their West Ham counterparts after Thursday’s incident, Ferdinand replied: “I think they wanted to have a conversation.
“But I think it was right that the powers that be, namely TST, took care of it and that it was handled in the right way.” To thwart something, you need deterrence.
“And TST sent a strong message that any form of discrimination, racism and other forms of discrimination are not tolerated at a tournament like this. Because of the fallout and what happened in Dallas, I hope people understand and realize the repercussions of saying such things. I hope it hits home.
Speaking about it, the former West Ham, Sunderland, QPR and Reading centre-back said “we are so far” from completely eradicating racism from a sport many describe as the “beautiful game”.
“But we won’t stop fighting,” added the 38-year-old. “The most important message is that this is not just the fight of an ethnic minority. It’s everyone’s fight. You must speak and fight the same way I speak. The same way my teammates talk about it. That’s one thing we had yesterday, it wasn’t just black players talking about it.
“It was white players like Matt Jarvis or Jimmy Walker who showed up and spoke in front of me. Before Carlton Cole. Its very important. When someone of white heritage hears someone of my heritage talk about it, it’s almost like a broken record, you’ve heard it before. But when you hear it from someone who looks like you, it makes you take notice. Everyone must come together and fight against this.
“It’s difficult, but football could be the catalyst for change in society.”
Famed West Ham manager Thomas Skinner also spoke out about the abuse, describing his pride in his players for leaving the field.
“I’m very proud of Anton for taking a stand and getting the team off the field,” he said. “Racism has no place in football and the disqualification of Dallas United was the right decision.”
