Rio Ferdinand hopes for Rooney rule

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand wants English football authorities to consider introducing their own version of the NFL's Rooney Rule, which is designed to promote the hiring of black and ethnic minority coaches.

Last week Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said ''there is a hidden racism which holds clubs back'' when it comes to hiring managers.

[NO RACISM IN FOOTBALL, SAYS MOURINHO]

And Taylor wants to see the English game adopt the Rooney Rule, which is used in the NFL to ensure such candidates are adequately represented in the interview process for head coaching positions.

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When asked if he thought the rule should be introduced in England, Ferdinand told the BBC: "It is something to be discussed definitely.

"It's been used in NFL, can it be replicated here?

"In football it's a mates game, rather than your colour. It's about whether they have a relationship with you and know that they can trust you."

Huddersfield Town manager Chris Powell is one of two black managers in the Football League

Image credit: PA Sport

Only two out of 92 clubs in English football's top four divisions employ a black manager after Chris Powell took charge of Huddersfield and Keith Curle joined Carlisle last month.

And asked about the state of racism in British football, Ferdinand said: "It's hard to say.

"Football is a great tool to use but I think society is the bigger problem.

"It's about educating people. It's a long and winding path."

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