29 Oct 2011

Premier League managers deny racism problems

4:39 pm on 29 October 2011

Two top Premier League football managers have denied racism is a problem in English football following two alleged incidents this month.

In the wake of accusations made against Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Chelsea and England captain John Terry, both Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish and Arsenal's Arsene Wenger say racism is not widespread.

Dalglish says he doubts it's prevalent in the game and certainly isn't at Liverpool.

Wenger says in sport, racism is basically no problem because rewards come on merit. However, in society there is some job to do still.

Dalglish added that he hoped the case against Uruguayan striker Suarez, following allegations that he racially abused Manchester United's French defender Patrice Evra, will be concluded swiftly.

Chelsea host Arsenal on Sunday with Terry likely to return after missing their midweek League Cup win at Everton.

Terry, with full support from his club, has denied racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's defeat at Queens Park Rangers last week. Suarez has similarly denied Evra's accusations.

Anton Ferdinand is the brother of Terry's predecessor as England captain Rio Ferdinand.

The Football Association is investigating both alleged incidents.