Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that football needs to take a tougher stance on racism.
The 70-year-old's comments come ahead of his side's potentially fierce encounter with Liverpool as Reds striker Luis Suarez is expected to face Patrice Evra for the first time since being found guilty of racially abusing the defender in October.
Not only has there been controversy in the North West, Chelsea captain John Terry is also involved in a high-profile racism row concerning Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
"I don't understand at all where it's coming from," said Ferguson. "This is a moment where we have to take stock and we should do something about it if it's surfacing again, and be really hard and firm on any form or shape of racism.
"There have been a couple of examples recently which is not good. In 2012, you can't believe it. It was obvious maybe 20 years ago, and improvements have been there for everyone to see."
Ferguson will host bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford this Saturday.
