Rio ban 'Draconian' - Taylor

Rio Ferdinand’s eight-month suspension from football for failing to take a drugs test is a “very draconian” punishment, according to players’ union boss Gordon Taylor.

Manchester United’s England defender has effectively been ruled out of the remainder of the domestic season as well as next summer’s Euro 2004 campaign thanks to tonight’s decision by the Football Association.

But the ruling of a disciplinary commission – which also imposed a £50,000 (€71,333) fine – was greeted with dismay by Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Taylor.

United director and solicitor Maurice Watkins announced that the club will appeal against what they described as a “savage and unprecedented” punishment for Ferdinand, who failed to take the drugs test on September 23.

And Taylor believes Ferdinand deserved the “benefit of the doubt” from the English game’s governing body.

“We knew there would have to be a penalty. But an eight-month ban and £50,000 fine is, I feel, very draconian,” Taylor told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I felt there was every opportunity for the FA to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“There had to be a penalty, bearing in mind the world pressure but he has not been given the benefit of the doubt, quite clearly.”

United captain Roy Keane had earlier applauded Ferdinand for the way he has played with the shadow of the FA hearing hanging over him.

Keane said: “I think it is hard for everyone, not just footballers, to be scrutinised like that, especially when people don’t know the ins and outs of the case.

“But all we can talk about is the way Rio has handled himself.

“The way he has been playing he has been a credit to himself and to the club. We are all behind him.”