Warnock slams abusive fans

QPR manager Neil Warnock believes Chelsea fans who taunted Anton Ferdinand in midweek are indicative of a culture of hatred in football which is difficult to police.

Blues supporters chanted "Anton Ferdinand, you know what you are" at the QPR defender during the 1-1 Champions League draw at Genk. The chants appeared to represent a show of support for Blues captain John Terry, who is under police investigation over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand during last month's west London derby, something he denies.

"I've only read about the abusive chants, but I'm afraid in today's society nothing surprises me," he said. "You see what happens when Liverpool play United, the abuse that managers get. Stewards look away - some of them even smile at the abuse you get."

He added: "I think they (fans) should be put in prison for about two years each, but that's just me flying a kite, isn't it? It's all right saying we're going to look into it, but you can't look into that.

"When you see the hatred in some of these guys' faces... it's frightening. You're probably talking about guys who wear suits to work all week. It's all very well to say you're getting rid of the excess when you go to a football match, but some of it goes way over the top."

Warnock insists Ferdinand has coped admirably following the incident involving Terry, though questions why he has left himself open to abuse by using Twitter.

"Anton's concentrating on the football side and being a good defender," he said. "He's had his moments and lapses over the last few years, but we are trying to get him to be consistent and, touch wood, he has been as consistent over 10 games as we could have asked for.

"He's been a rock in defence, which has given us a chance. I think he's a twit for using Twitter. I don't agree with it, but I suppose if you're into that you have to take the rough with the smooth.

"I've already told him to come off Twitter. I'm not a big fan of people talking to big groups of supporters when there's a problem at any club. There's only one winner in that situation.

"You should keep your head down and do what he's done. I think he's played really very well and let things take their course."