Rio Ferdinand: 'UEFA not serious about racism'

Rio Ferdinand has accused UEFA of not being serious about racism following Serbia's punishment for incidents relating to a Under-21 match against England in October.

A number of England players were racially abused during and after the Euro 2013 playoff in Krusevac.

The Serbian Football Association have been fined £65,000, while four of their players have been banned after a mass brawl broke out between the two sides at the end of the game.

Despite being subjected to racist abuse by fans inside the stadium, Steven Caulker and Thomas Ince have also been suspended by European football's governing body.

Ferdinand tweeted: "Uefa are not serious at all on racism. Fines do not work at all. They have zero impact on federations/clubs/fans/players.

"Uefa need to talk to this generation.....they don't seem to be up to date on this issue?? Harsh punishments needed as a deterrent."

The English Football Association has since condemned the punishment given to its Serbian counterpart by UEFA.