Rio Ferdinand has called for harsher punishment of anyone guilty of racist abuse, admitting that he has become tired of the discussion, and the fact that player's are being subjected to it.

The former England and Manchester United centre-back revealed that he has become 'tired and disgusted' of the behaviour, suggesting that people feel they are able to get away with it. 

Tottenham and Brazil star was celebrating his goal in a 5-1 international friendly win against Tunisia when he had a banana thrown at him from the crowd. 

Rio Ferdinand has called for stricter punishments for those found guilty of any racist abuse

Ferdinand said on BT Sport: 'I’m disgusted and tired we have to keep having these conversations and players are subjected to this abuse. 

'It’s about time those that run the game put sanctions in place to discourage those for doing it. Doesn’t feel like this is the case now and people feel like they can get away from it. 

'We don’t want to answer questions to our kids about this. We want to answer why is he so good rather than why have they thrown a banana. 

'This is a bigger problem than football - a social issue as well.'

Ferdinand was quick to lend Richarlison his support after the shocking abuse, before suggesting that the hysteria surrounding the event was akin to that which came after his on-pitch showboating against Nottingham Forest earlier this season. 

He was seen doing kick-ups when he was roughly tackled by a Forest player late in the game, as Spurs sought to close out the match. 

And he was joined at the time by fellow defender Thiago Silva in standing up for the Spurs forward. 

Speaking after Brazil's 5-1 win in Paris, captain Silva called on football to drive change in the terraces, saying: 'I was saddened by the gesture they made, throwing the banana at Richarlison which, frankly, leaves me very saddened because that's not football,' he told reporters.

'Football is about supporting your team. Afterwards, on the pitch, we try to give our all for the national team. But gestures like that are not good for football.' 

Earlier in September Spanish police arrested five supporters in connection with a probe into racist chanting aimed at Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr in the derby with Atletico Madrid.