‘SPONSORS MUST JOIN FIGHT, TOO’

ANTON FERDINAND demanded last night that companies making millions from football should back this weekend’s social media boycott, because they have the power to force Twitter, Instagram and others into action. The 36-year-old said: ‘I would like to see the sponsors getting involved — the likes of Nike, adidas, Puma and Under Armour. When money is under threat, social media firms move that much quicker. ‘My message to these companies and sponsors is, “Why don’t you get involved in the boycott and in this unity?” They’re quick enough to make money out of us players.’ Nike has signed up only to a partial boycott. UEFA, England Rugby and British Cycling all pledged yesterday to join the protest, which is also supported by Premiership Rugby, English cricket, the Lawn Tennis Association, BT Sport, Sky Sports and talkSPORT. A statement by Twitter failed to reference the boycott directly but insisted racist abuse was the fault of a small minority.