Apparently, a footballer doesn't have to do anything offensive on the pitch to get banned, as former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has discovered.
The retired English international, who now plies his trade with Queens Park Rangers has recently been slapped with a three game fan plus a £25,000 fine.
The reason? Not because of any actions during playing, but rather due to his comments on Twitter.
The veteran defender was offended by a comment made by some fan who was complaining about his club's transfer policy and made a snarky comment about him, and like many people on social media, decided to retaliate.
However, the problem with social media is that once one does something, it's pretty hard to erase it and once the Football Association got wind of it, they were not amused.
Costly: The retort via Twitter that has now cost him a fine and a three match ban
This was Rio Ferdinand's tweet using "sket" which led to FA 3-match ban & £25k fine today pic.twitter.com/U08hHt7LRv
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) October 29, 2014
Ferdinand's language was judged to be offensive and demeaning. Hence, the FA released this official statement:
"Queens Park Rangers defender Rio Ferdinand has been suspended for three matches commencing with immediate effect, subject to any appeal, after an FA misconduct charge against him was found proven.
"It was alleged a comment Ferdinand posted on his twitter account was abusive and/or indecent and/or insulting and/or improper."
As his club are currently struggling in 19th place with just two wins and seven points from nine games, his already frustrated manager and teammates won't be amused and he certainly won't be winning affection from the team's already disgruntled fans.
Even worse, it appears that he hasn't learned from past gaffes on social media, as he was fined £45,000 for hurling abuse at his former Three Lions teammate Ashley Cole back in 2012.
