Warnock tight-lipped on race issue

QPR manager Neil Warnock has refused to speculate on the allegations that Anton Ferdinand was racially abused last Sunday.

Defender Ferdinand was the subject of alleged racial slurs from England and Chelsea captain John Terry in the side’s 1-0 victory, but Warnock preferred to concentrate on QPR’s meeting with Tottenham on Sunday as the English Football Association investigates the claims.

“I’m only bothered about Queens Park Rangers. There will be a statement from the club at some stage, but at this moment in time we haven’t made a statement and we are not planning to,” he said.

“We have got other things to look out for, Tottenham being the main issue this week, so we are mainly concerned with focusing on the game. He’s (Anton Ferdinand) playing very well.”

Asked about the issue of racism in the modern game, a reticent Warnock went on: “I’m not aware of a lot if I’m honest. It used to be very bleak in the 80s coming up to the 90s. That was probably the worst period. I think all of the causes that they are doing now, make it aware and making it better,” he said.

“I think there are countries a lot worse than England that FIFA or UEFA should get their teeth into, because I think there are countries abroad who get away with murder when our lads go over there.”

Warnock did not want the issue to detract from what was a sensational victory over Chelsea.

“The place has been buzzing as you would expect (after the Chelsea win). I don’t think teams like QPR win very often against the Chelseas of this world,” he said.

“I think somebody said it was over 10 years since a promoted club beat Chelsea. We know what kind of achievement it is to beat them even though the circumstances saw them make one or two mistakes on the day.”

“I don’t think anybody should get carried away just yet. We have had some heavy defeats but we don’t dwell on the disappointments too long.”