Ferdinand ‘should have known better’

Rio Ferdinand "should have known better" than become involved in a Twitter row which has seen the QPR defender suspended for three matches, according to the FA.

The 35-year-old, who was in Dublin yesterday for the Web Summit, was handed a £25,000 (€32,000) fine as well as a ban for using the term “sket” — a term for a promiscuous girl or woman — on the social media site on September 1 after a message suggesting Ferdinand’s team needed a new centre-half.

Ferdinand, who left Manchester United in the summer, has yet to confirm whether he will appeal, with the deadline set for November 10.

The FA’s Independent Regulatory Commission statement said: “With nearly six million followers Mr Ferdinand is clearly an experienced Twitter user and he should know better than to respond in the way he did.

“It is said on his behalf that he is one of the most high profile sportsmen on Twitter and he is, without doubt, a role model for many young people, no doubt throughout the world. His responsibility is therefore that much greater than many others.

“Unfortunately there is no formal or direct admission and there is certainly no sign of remorse.”