PFA chief Gordon Taylor plays down England interim boss Stuart Pearce race incident

PFA chief Gordon Taylor has insisted that there is no remaining ill-feeling between Stuart Pearce and Paul Ince over an alleged racism incident that occurred in 1994.

Reports have recently resurfaced of the apparent exchange between the pair, in which Pearce apologised to Ince for using racist language, after the England Under-21 boss’ appointment as interim manager of the senior side following Fabio Capello’s resignation.

The 49-year-old will take charge of the friendly game against the Netherlands at the end of February at Wembley, and Taylor has backed Pearce, insisting that issue has long since been resolved.

Taylor said: "Stuart Pearce apologised at the time, the situation was resolved and I don't believe there is any issue now.

"They have been team-mates since for England, they have encountered each other numerous times as players and coaches, and Stuart has managed Paul Ince's son for England under-18s."

The executive director of European anti-racism group FARE, Piara Powar, has also supported the former Manchester City man, suggesting that the Ince allegations, along with the fact Pearce’s brother is a BNP activist, should not affect his appointment.

Powar said: "That was a long time ago, the world has moved on, Stuart Pearce has clearly moved on.

"Everyone I speak to would say give the guy a chance, he's in a difficult position. We all have a past to reconcile. Your brother being a member of one party or another is immaterial.

"The sins of the child shouldn't be carried into adulthood and everyone would want to move on with this issue rather than taking this issue up."

Pearce has previously made clear he does not support his sibling’s political stand point.