The former Manchester United and England defender, 40, took to social media in anger after Raheem Sterling appeared to be racially abused during Manchester City's game at Chelsea last night.
Ferdinand said: "Are we going to continue to allow this type of racist behaviour go on??? All for kicking a ball! @premierleague @FA #premierleague #chelseafc #fa #racism."
Gary Lineker and Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa were among thousands to respond to the posts on Ferdinand's Twitter and Instagram accounts.
Lineker simply said: "Despicable."
Akinfenwa replied: "We have to put a stop to this somehow someway."
The former centre-back, now a pundit with BT Sport, came back: "In the NFL players took to the knee…"
It was, of course, a reference to the movement in America that saw a number of black players kneel during the national anthem in protest against racism and discrimination.
He later added: "We'll see what happens – I'm betting NOTHING."
Police and Chelsea are probing claims of racism during the Premier League game at Stamford Bridge.
A number of Blues supporters shouted aggressively at the England winger when he was close to the advertising hoardings and one fans appears to call him a "f****** black c***".
BT Sport promised to pass on footage of the incident while both the Met Police and Chelsea released statements.
Chelsea said: “We’ll investigate the matter and take the strongest possible action where necessary."
Meanwhile, the Met Police's statement read: "We are aware of a video in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player.
"We will review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed."
Sterling broke his silence with a social media post this morning.
He said he "just had to laugh because I don't expect no better".
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright was appalled by the footage and tweeted: "The bad old days are back! Chelsea you have been shamed by this disgusting racist fan! Absolutely no doubt about what he says."
The incident took place just a week after a banana skin was thrown in the direction of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the North London derby – a Tottenham supporter was charged by police.
Any fan found guilty of racist abuse would face a ban from Chelsea — but a criminal conviction might lead to a ban from all football.
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