Rio Smash!

It seems that Micah Richards isn’t the only Manchester-based England defender to be banned from something today (look at that for an example of the seemless linking you can expect from the new and improved thematic STT) as an aspiring national captain has found himself in quite a bit of hot water after his rage at Stamford Bridge near the end of last season.

Rio Ferdinand faces a possible four-game ban and £200,000 fine for (quite understandably) kicking a female Chelsea steward in April after Chelsea reversed a 1 – 0 deficit to win the game. FA big-wigs have today requested photos and witness statements from all Blues staff about the incident, which left tunnel steward Tracy Wray needing hospital treatment for severe bruising to her left thigh. I don’t know what her problem is to be honest; I mean Rio did send her some flowers about a month later by way of an apology, what more does she want?

Disciplinary chiefs are due to examine the evidence this week, and the United star could miss the start of the season, as well as England’s friendly with the Czech republic on August 20. He faces charges of gross misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute, while United could face additional charges of failing to control their players. To be fair to him, Rio has admitted guilt in this instance, but still, you can’t really go around just kicking bystanders.

The FA are also still investigating the aftermath of this same match which you might recall saw six United players get in a fight with Chelsea ground staff during a warm-down. We understand that the Blues have provided a substantial amount of evidence to Soho Square, in an attempt to heal the two weepingly open wounds of losing out on the Premier League and Champions League to United.