Rio Ferdinand "astonished" by Blatter comments

Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has said that he's "astonished" by comments made by Sepp Blatter regarding racism earlier today.

The FIFA president told CNN World Sport that racism was not rife within football, something that has shocked England international Ferdinand.

"Tell me I have just read Sepp Blatter's comments on racism in football wrong....if not then I am astonished," the 33-year-old wrote on Twitter.

"I feel stupid for thinking that football was taking a leading role against racism.....it seems it was just on mute for a while."

Blatter's views were aired on the same day that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was charged by the Football Association for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra last month.