Ferdinand withdraws appeal

Published: 09 Feb 2010 - 14:19:26

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Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his appeal against the additional one-match suspension he incurred for a "frivolous" challenge to a violent conduct charge brought against him by the Football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.

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.

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.

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