Ferdinand’s last-gasp response

RIO FERDINAND yesterday formally notified the FA that he intends to contest a misconduct charge brought against him for his failure to attend a drugs test.

The Manchester United defender waited until the very last minutes of his 14-day deadline to respond to the charge, which is for failure/refusal to take an anti-doping test on September 23.

Ferdinand will be represented by a team from United’s experienced lawyers James Chapman for the disciplinary hearing, which is unlikely to take place until mid-December meaning he should be available for the club’s two remaining Champions League group matches.