Post by Taxigirl on Oct 29, 2003 23:59:01 GMT
The Football Association have charged Rio Ferdinand with misconduct after his failure to attend a routine drugs test, and PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has described the latest development in the saga as "good news".
As expected, the England centre back will now have 14 days to respond to the charge, which still threatens to lead to a lengthy suspension from the game.
It could even transpire that the matter will not be finally resolved until the New Year, as Ferdinand has already offered his opposition to the charges against him, and is supported by United over the furore. Hence, an appeal could be launched.
United have confirmed they will request a personal hearing, with a statement on their official website reading: "Manchester United notes the decision by The Football Association today to charge Rio Ferdinand with misconduct for failure to attend a drugs test.
"The player will be responding to the charge and seeking a personal hearing in accordance with FA procedures."
Taylor feels the situation could have been far worse and is hoping for a sensible outcome.
"I think that this has not been a good news story from the start," Taylor told Sky Sports News. "But I'm pleased he's not been charged with wilful refusal.
"What is quite clear is the player should have been given a form an hour before taking the test, and then it would be wilful, but that's not the case and, I repeat again, there should've been no naming and a penalty imposed until the initial hearing, which was set for the Monday after the Turkey game that he was left out of.
"The charge is good news and is keeping things in proportion. It is certainly a lesser charge and should carry a lesser penalty. It's as simple as that.
"When I say lesser penalty, that's not pre-judging what is going to come out of the hearing.
"He could be facing a ban but at least the signs are a bit more positive at the moment.
"Even high-profile players deserve the same consideration as anyone else but I appreciate the eyes of the world are going to be on The FA, and nobody ever said this was going to be easy."
The FA charged Ferdinand with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E26, the failure or refusal by a player to submit to drug-testing as required by a competent official, and not the charge of wilful refusal to take the test.