By Swifty
March 20 2004

Rio Ferdinand has had his appeal against the 8 month ban for missing a drugs test dismissed by the English Football Assosciation. The FA having reviewed the case neither extended nor shortened the ban. Ferdinand and Manchester United still have the right to appeal to a higher court. However this seems unlikely now. Ferdinand still stands to miss the rest of this season, the start of the next, Euro 2004 and 2 key World Cup qualifiers.

Manchester United's defence has been shaky without Ferdinand and now it seems they'll be without his services for some time. How will this affect Manchester United? It has already had huge effects on theire season, and know it seems they will be forced to spend on a new centre-back for the new season.

Is Ferdinands ban just? Any player who misses a drugs test must pay the penalty. 8 months seems a little unfair when you consider that Bosnich only received 9 for taking cocaine. However failing to attend drug testing must be punished and Ferdinand is the example that is being made.

I feel he has got what he deserved. Any sports man knows the importance fo a drugs test and this fiasco is no-ones fault but Ferdinand's and the man never even apologised.