Rio Ferdinand
 

:thumbsdow Does anyone out there think that Rio should have his ban lifted or reduced and why?

I don't and here's why.

He failed to turn up to take a drug test, presumably drug testing is part of his occupational contract, therefore he in in breach of that contract. He wasn't asked to recite the Gettysburg address or learn how to split the atom, all he had to do was turn up at a certain place at a certain time and pee into a pot. Hardly a taxing task. I think the ban should stay, if only to show him that he is not too important to take a drug test.

What do you all think?

I think that ban is correct and that the governing body had to be seen to be making an example of him so as to try and deter anyone else from pulling the same stunt.
My thoughts on the whole thing are that Man Utd KNEW that the player would not have passed the drugs test which is why they let him leave the training complex through a side door and told to go home.
I dont believe for one minute that a football player who has been playing for about 9-10 years forgot to wait and have (something that he will have done so many times before in his career) a drugs test - he knew he would fail it & so did the club.
As for the excuse that he was moving house and was in a hurry - when he was actually shopping in Manchester and also that the claim his mobile was switched off hence why he couldnt be contacted when in fact numerous calls were made from it during that morning all tell the story that he deliberately missed the drugs test.
He got what he deserves and was lucky that he didnt get a bigger ban.

Well said Glasgow guy, even though he will miss the European Championship it was clear to all and sundry that he could not give a clear reason for missing that test

I wasnt even thinking about euro 2004 to be honest, but now that you mention it - the thought of England dropping points in a crucial match sounds quite appealing ;),
and before people start going at how Scotland arent there - I know - but that doesnt bother me - I am not a scotland fan in any way, shape or form - never have been - its club football only for me !
But back to the topic - I think if it happens again ( which no doubt it will ) the player responsable will have the book thrown at him and may be looking at a 1 or 2 year ban.

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

I don't think we need Ferdinand that badly for Euro 2004, there's plenty other decent players that play in his position.

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

True there are more than likely other good players out there but it is nice to start a tournament with a tried and tested player

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

Just watched the Newcastle v Charlton game, Woodgate looks like a good fit to go along side Campbell, but don't know if the FA have forgiven him yet?

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

I agree with Glasgow Guy I think Man U Knew, maybe rio had been to Man U when his name was called that morning and they had suggested leaving and forgetting, Man U possibly trying their luck.
Can anyone Tell me what the consequences of RIO failing a drug test would be? If that would be worse than losing RIO for 8mnths then the answer is obvious, because I dont think RIO spends to much time working things out but MAN U do.

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

he'll get a large fine as well won't he?

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

Are you implying that footballers are 'fick'? coz this one is about as sharp as a bowling ball.

How sweet would it be if England were to win Euro 2004, with Rio sat in the stands. i think this would be the only time he would ever regret missing the drugs test. His ego would take one hell of a self inflicted paggering.

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

:rose8: It would also send a message that no one is above the law, even man u players.

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

The guy is obviously a druggie. Sod 'im!

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

Wayhey, that's the stuff!! Good point, Sparky, I would LOVE to see that. But we'd never win Euro 2004 with or without Rio.

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

i dont think man u should of bought him anyway and shouldn't of paid £30 million for him

Re: Rio Ferdinand
 

The more money they waste the bigger the drop when they cant compete, so I say spend, spend, spend, then goodbye primadonnas.:D