Players' chief Gordon Taylor does not believe there is still an issue between Paul Ince and Stuart Pearce over a racism incident 18 years ago.
In 1994 Pearce apologised to Ince after making a racist remark to him during a match and the issue has re-surfaced after Pearce was on Thursday confirmed as the interim England manager following Fabio Capello's shock resignation. Taylor was involved in resolving the issue originally and has taken steps to ensure there is no lingering ill-feeling now.
Taylor told Press Association Sport: "Stuart Pearce apologised at the time, the situation was resolved and I don't believe there is any issue now."
He added: "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."
Piara Powar, executive director of European anti-racism group FARE, said that the issue should not affect Pearce's appointment - nor the fact that his brother was a BNP activist. Pearce has distanced himself from his brother's political beliefs.
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."
Source: PA
