Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was today banned for eight months, starting from Monday, January 12, for missing a drugs test.

Rio Ferdinand was set to head back to the Reebok Stadium this morning still hoping he will be allowed to make it three appearances in a month.

THE FIRST day of Rio Ferdinand’s disciplinary hearing ended in a wall of silence at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium last night.

The first day of Rio Ferdinand’s disciplinary hearing ended in a wall of silence at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium tonight.