Manchester United’s joy at reaching the Carling Cup final was tempered today by news that Rio Ferdinand has not only lost his appeal against a charge of violent conduct, but has been given an extra game ban.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be furious that Manchester United will now lose Ferdinand for four key Premier League games after the Football Association regarded United’s appeal as “frivolous”.
Ferdinand denied a charge of violent conduct in relation to an incident in United’s home match with Hull on Saturday when he appeared to lash out at striker Craig Fagan, a moment missed by referee Steve Bennett.
The FA used video evidence and, at an Independent Regulatory Commission today Ferdinand was given a four match suspension to be served with immediate effect.
A statement read: “The Independent Commission felt that the player’s denial of the charge was frivolous and on that basis have awarded an additional one match ban upon the statutory three match ban awarded for violent conduct.”
It means that Ferdinand will miss Sunday’s visit to Arsenal, followed by home games against Portsmouth (Feb 6) and further away games, at Aston Villa (Feb 10) and Everton (a).
However, Ferdinand will be available for the club’s next game, the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa, at Wembley, on Sunday, February 28.
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