Rio Ferdinand was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd as Manchester United celebrated Robin van Persie’s deflected last-minute winner, while only the intervention of City keeper Joe Hart prevented another fan confronting the defender.
And Bernstein told Sky Sports News: “It is deplorable to see those incidents and to see Rio Ferdinand with blood on his face is absolutely terrible.”
He continued: “I think it’s disturbing that we’re seeing a recurrence of these types of incidents. We’ve had racial abuse issues, the odd pitch incursion, things being thrown at players – it’s very unacceptable and has to be dealt with severely.”
Bernstein promised tough action from the FA to try to stamp out the chances of further incidents occurring.
“It’s very disappointing: so much of football is so good, great things are happening in football as a whole, but these odd incidents get the headlines – and understandably because they are serious matters, they are unforgivable things,” he added.
“When you think of the millions watching football every week, or involved in football, to see it hijacked by these incidents is awful so we have to deal with it in the strongest way we can.
“It’s a difficult social problem. I think there’s a copycat thing: something happens and other people copy it and this sort of thing can spiral. To my mind it’s for the FA, the whole game of football and the authorities to work together to deal with this most severe matter.
“I believe that if necessary these people need to go to the court and be banned for life, if they’re found out.
“It’s important that matters are brought to a head and people understand that there is no room for this in football at all, and we’ll do everything we can within the FA. I know the rest of football feels the same, it’s a blot on the game.”
Man City apologise for Ferdinand coin attack
Manchester City have apologised to Rio Ferdinand after the Manchester United defender was struck by a coin as he celebrated his side’s 3-2 win in Sunday’s Manchester derby. The English centre-back was left with blood pouring from his face after being hit by a missile apparently thrown from the crowd in the aftermath of Robin van Persie’s injury-time winner for United at the Etihad Stadium. Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while City expressed regret to Ferdinand. “We apologise to Rio,” said a spokesman from the club “We condemn the actions of the individual concerned. We are reviewing the CCTV with the police and our normal security. ”We will support the police with any investigation and hopefully identify the person as soon as possible.” Ferdinand himself made light of what had happened, writing on Twitter: ”what a result,3points! Sweet! Whoever threw that coin,what a shot! Can’t believe it was a copper 2p….could have at least been a #1 coin!” City manager Roberto Mancini claimed not to have witnessed the incident, but he condemned it nonetheless. ”I didn’t see, so I don’t know what happened,“ said the Italian. ”We have fantastic support but we can’t do what that person did, because it’s not good.“ A fan wearing City colours also had to be restrained by home goalkeeper Joe Hart after walking onto the pitch and making his way towards Ferdinand after van Persie’s goal. Ferdinand later thanked his one-time England colleague.
