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Ferdinand compares FA ban impact to thunderbolt
London, Dec 23: Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand says he was `shocked and devastated` with the eight-month ban he received for failing to show for a drugs test.
London, Dec 23: Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand says he was "shocked and devastated" with the eight-month ban he received for failing to show for
a drugs test.
In his first reaction to Friday's sanction imposed by the English Football Association, Ferdinand told the Sun newspaper that the decision "hit me like a thunderbolt."
"I was shocked and devastated when I heard the verdict," said Ferdinand who is to appeal the ban which is due to start on January 12.
Ferdinand played in the Manchester United side which defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Sunday in the Premiership at White Hart Lane and his manager Alex Ferguson sung his praises afterwards.
"I am very pleased with Rio," said Ferguson after seeing goals from John O'Shea and Ruud Van Nistelrooy give his side the three points which took them back into the lead in the race for the League title.
Ferdinand was also fined 50,000 pounds (88,000 dollars) for missing the drugs test on September 23 at United's training ground.
His appeal against the ban means he can continue to play until the result of that appeal is known.
There have also been reports that Manchester United and Ferdinand could challenge the drugs test ban before a civil court inciting the wrath of Fifa chief Sepp Blatter who insists it is a matter for the football authorities.
Bureau Report
In his first reaction to Friday's sanction imposed by the English Football Association, Ferdinand told the Sun newspaper that the decision "hit me like a thunderbolt."
"I was shocked and devastated when I heard the verdict," said Ferdinand who is to appeal the ban which is due to start on January 12.
Ferdinand played in the Manchester United side which defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 on Sunday in the Premiership at White Hart Lane and his manager Alex Ferguson sung his praises afterwards.
"I am very pleased with Rio," said Ferguson after seeing goals from John O'Shea and Ruud Van Nistelrooy give his side the three points which took them back into the lead in the race for the League title.
Ferdinand was also fined 50,000 pounds (88,000 dollars) for missing the drugs test on September 23 at United's training ground.
His appeal against the ban means he can continue to play until the result of that appeal is known.
There have also been reports that Manchester United and Ferdinand could challenge the drugs test ban before a civil court inciting the wrath of Fifa chief Sepp Blatter who insists it is a matter for the football authorities.
Bureau Report