Rio Ferdinand withdraws ban appeal

Rio Ferdinand was last week named England captain ahead of this summer's World Cup
11 April 2012

England captain Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his appeal over an extra-game ban given to him following a clash with Craig Fagan.

A disciplinary commission had increased the Manchester United defender's punishment for striking Hull's Fagan to four games because they believed he had made a "frivolous" appeal.

It means Ferdinand, who will serve the third match of his suspension tomorrow evening, when United visit Aston Villa, will also sit out the trip to Everton on February 20.

Ferguson is unhappy at the inconsistencies within the FA system, having noted that Javier Mascherano was not even charged following what the United manager felt was an offence of similar gravity during Liverpool's Carling Cup win at Leeds in September.

The Red Devils also felt provocation on Ferdinand was not taken into account when the FA reached their verdict.

However, the club may still view the action as being worthwhile as it allowed Ferdinand to play in the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City last month that ended with United booking a cup final appearance at Wembley and generating added momentum to their season as a whole.

It also suggests Ferdinand is acutely aware of the spotlight he will now be under as England captain and a need to take a measured approach to his dealings with the FA.

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