Rio Ferdinand denies FA charge

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has denied the Football Association’s charge of “acting in a way that was improper and bringing the game into disrepute” and requested a personal hearing.

Ferdinand was charged on Monday in relation to a comment he retweeted on Twitter. An FA statement, released on Thursday afternoon, confirmed Rio’s desire to appeal the charge.

The statement read:

“Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand has today [Thursday 2 August] denied an FA charge of improper conduct in relation to comments posted on Twitter.

“The allegation is that the player acted in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute by making comments which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.

“The player has requested a personal hearing.”