Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand seems certain to escape any formal sanction over his part in last season's 'Battle of Stamford Bridge'.Reports have emerged of a possible four-match ban for the defender - which could rule him out of England's friendly with the Czech Republic on August 20 and scupper his chances of being appointed as Fabio Capello's new captain.
Given Ferdinand has already suffered the misery of serving an eight-month ban for a missed drugs test in 2004, it would be the worst kind of news possible for the 29-year-old Londoner and somewhat bizarre given it was United's complaints about the treatment of their players that led to the inquiry in the first place.
Ferdinand apologised after accidentally kicking a female steward in frustration following his side's defeat.
However, sources close to the investigation into events that took place at Chelsea immediately after the key showdown, which finished in acrimony as the home side won thanks to a hotly disputed late penalty, have been left bemused by the speculation surrounding Ferdinand.
For, while the official report is still being compiled, there has been no suggestion Ferdinand will face any penalty, let alone miss the opening four matches of the season.
And, although such a move would be bad news for United, who are already without Cristiano Ronaldo for an extended period following the winger's recent ankle operation, even in the unlikely event of Ferdinand being punished, it would not affect his availability for England.
It has been pointed out that Alan Smith, Lee Bowyer, Jonathan Woodgate and Ferdinand's major rival for the captaincy, John Terry, have been deliberately overlooked for selection by England in recent times.
However, in those instances, it was a policy decision taken by the FA until police or court action against the individuals concerned had been concluded.
Similarly, there is no link with Ferdinand's own lengthy ban because it covered all football, both for club and country.
It means that whatever the outcome of the FA's investigation Ferdinand will be available for the Czech Republic game, before which Capello intends to name his new skipper, having tried out four men for the post.
The FA meanwhile are continuing their own investigations into the Stamford Bridge clash, although as yet, no timescale for a definitive decision has been reached.
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This is based on a story from the Sun and that should say everything.London press having a go at a United player now there's a shock.Philip you should look at the facts before responding in such a biased way.This incedent happened because the Chelsea ground staff acted in a racial manner which sparked the whole thing off and Ferdinand never denied he struck the woman steward and made his apologies straightaway and as for her needing hospital treatment is just nonsense made up by the Sun newspaper.
The press or should I say the Red Top Rags love people like you Philip because you think that everything they say is true and you then respond by talking and writing as if you have full knowledge about football when infact you know nothing other than what drivel is put in print by these morons,You sir are a muppett and you allow the press to pull your strings.
Does this mean that Man Utd and player's will be unpunished because the FA are scared of them?
What about punishing Chelski for the behaviour of their stewards and groundstaff towards the Utd lads who were warming down?
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