Friday 31 October 2014 09:42, UK
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has questioned the length of Rio Ferdinand’s ban by the FA for posting alleged sexist remark on Twitter – and he says the club will discuss whether to appeal on Friday.
Ferdinand, 35, was suspended for three games, fined £25,000 and ordered to attend an educational programme for referring to someone’s mother as a ‘sket’ – a derogatory term for a woman.
Redknapp believes his punishment “does not equate” to the same penalty received for a straight red card in the game and insists Ferdinand is a role-model to others.
I don't read Twitter, I don't even know what it is, I wouldn't know how to read it and it doesn't interest me one little bit.
"If someone slags him off, and then he goes back and slags them off, it doesn't equate to a ban for a red card - I can't see it," Redknapp said.
"We'll have to sit down and see what the circumstances are for an appeal. We're not sure exactly what he's done and what the charge is and what the reasons are behind it.
"He does know how to behave off the pitch. I've not had many footballers behave better than Rio. I don't have any problems with the way he conducts himself.
"I don't need to talk to him about it. I haven't met many classier footballers in my time than Rio Ferdinand and he's a top-class person.
"I don't read Twitter, I don't even know what it is, I wouldn't know how to read it and it doesn't interest me one little bit.”
Should Rangers appeal, Ferdinand will be available for Saturday’s west London derby against Chelsea and a likely meeting with former England teammate John Terry.
Terry has previously been banned for four games and fined by the FA after being found guilty of racially abusing Rio’s brother Anton in a match between the two clubs in 2012.
Redknapp said: "We're not overloaded with fit defenders so I want Rio available for every game, that's for sure."
