Anton Ferdinand

QPR defender Anton Ferdinand says he has been subjected to 'extreme' abuse from the terraces since Chelsea captain John Terry was accused of racially abusing him in October.

The 27-year-old has had to deal with unsettling comments from some fans since the alleged incident occurred.

"Some of the abuse has been extreme, some of it has been very extreme and I'm thinking 'how can they even be giving me any stick?'," he said.

"I deal with it by playing football."

Terry, who denies the charge, is due to appear in court on 9 July to face allegations of racial abuse.

The two players could play against each other next weekend when Chelsea host QPR at Stamford Bridge.

Ferdinand says he will be able to cope with any pressure caused by the spotlight being on him.

QPR run-in 21 Apr Tottenham (h) 29 May Chelsea (a) 6 May Stoke (h) 13 May Man City (a) Football fixtures - day by day

"If you look at my career, in big games I have played well, and this year it's felt like there have been a lot of big games because of the added pressure on me," he added.

"I'd like to think I've had my most consistent season since I left West Ham. That other scenario has highlighted things a bit more but, at the moment, I'm happy with my football.

"I cannot influence what other people are doing or saying. I can only affect what I'm doing on the pitch - and that's the way I've treated it."

Key to Ferdinand being able to not let abuse from the stands affect him has been the support of his brother Rio, who plays for Manchester United.

"Rio has been a real rock for me. He's a rock for me in everything I do, not just football, in all aspects of life," he said.

"But my whole family have been there for me, that's the way we are."