Rio Ferdinand charged with misconduct

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was today charged with misconduct by the Football Association.

The FA have been considering the case against the England centre-back ever since they were made aware he missed a random drugs test at United’s Carrington training ground on September 23.

Ferdinand claimed he forgot the appointment with UK Sport’s anti-doping team and successfully passed a test 36 hours later.

However, after hearing from the player himself and examining his mobile phone records – Ferdinand also claimed his phone was switched off while United officials were trying to contact him – the FA have decided there is a case to answer.