Rio Ferdinand: Players should not be going to World Cup fearing racist abuse

The former England defender has called on social media companies to do more to protect athletes.

Rio Ferdinand is concerned World Cup players will again be the targets of racist abuse (Mike Egerton/PA)

Rio Ferdinand is deeply concerned for footballers he believes will become the targets of racist abuse and “hate behaviours” during the World Cup.

The former England defender, who earned 81 caps for the Three Lions, has called on social media companies to do more for athletes he says are not afforded enough protection against virtual vitriol from keyboard warriors, with some incidents warranting criminal investigations.