Source: Daily_Mail
New England captain Rio backs down from FA row by withdrawing ban appeal
Clash: Rio Ferdinand (left) and Craig Fagan[LNB]Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his appeal against the additional one-match suspension he incurred for a 'frivolous' challenge to a violent conduct charge brought against him by the Football Association.[LNB]The case was due to be heard on Friday and last week Sir Alex Ferguson indicated a desire to contest the penalty, which turned a three-match ban into a four-game suspension for Ferdinand's attack on Hull striker Craig Fagan at Old Trafford last month.[LNB]However, that was before Ferdinand was appointed as England captain by Fabio Capello and rather than risk facing the FA so soon, Press Association Sport understands the 31-year-old has opted to accept his punishment.[LNB]It means Ferdinand, who will serve the third match of his suspension tomorrowevening, when United visit Aston Villa, will also sit out the trip to Everton onFebruary 20.[LNB]Ferguson is unhappy at the inconsistencies within the FA system, having notedthat Javier Mascherano was not even charged following what the United managerfelt was an offence of similar gravity during Liverpool's Carling Cup win atLeeds in September.[LNB]The Red Devils also felt provocation on Ferdinand was not taken into accountwhen the FA reached their verdict.[LNB]However, the club may still view the action as being worthwhile as it allowedFerdinand to play in the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City lastmonth that ended with United booking a cup final appearance at Wembley andgenerating added momentum to their season as a whole.[LNB]It also suggests Ferdinand is acutely aware of the spotlight he will now beunder as England captain and a need to take a measured approach to his dealingswith the FA. [LNB] Man United boss Ferguson slams FA after Ferdinand lands four-match banRio's four-feit: United ace Ferdinand hit by extended ban for appeal on elbowRio's four-feit: United ace Ferdinand hit by extended ban for appeal on elbowUnited to cite Liverpool's Mascherano when they challenge Rio's FA banMANCHESTER UNITED FC
