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Rio Ferdinand believes English football should stage a protest against racism.

Raheem Sterling appeared to be abused during Manchester City's defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea and Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident after a video emerged on social media during the game.

It came just days after a banana was thrown at Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the north London derby.

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hit out at the shocking scenes and believes footballers could follow in the footsteps of NFL star Colin Kaepernick.

Ferdinand was referring to a movement in the States which was started by Kaepernick when he kneeled during the national anthem in protest against racism.

(Image: BPI/REX/Shutterstock)

He posted on social media: "Are we going to continue to allow this type of racist behaviour go on??? All for kicking a ball!"

Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa replied "we have to put a stop to this someway" - and Ferdinand then said: "In the NFL the players took to the knee...".

Ian Wright also slammed the incident and says nothing has changed in English football from years when racism was rife.

"The bad old days are back! Chelsea you have been shamed by this disgusting racist fan," Wright said.

(Image: BT Sport)

Anti-racism charity Kick It Out confirmed they had received reports about the incident at Stamford Bridge.

"We will forward those to Chelsea and offer our support in their investigation," a statement read.

"Yet another great day of football damaged by prejudice."