Rio Ferdinand snubbed not because of 'footballing reasons': Robbie Fowler

The former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has condemned Roy Hodgson’s decision to omit Rio Ferdinand from England’s squad for Euro 2012. Ferdinand was expected to be called for the Euros after Gary Cahill picked up an injury when he was pushed onto the goal-keeper Joe Hart during a friendly against Belgium.

Ferdinand was once again snubbed by Hodgson and Liverpool centre-back Martin Kelly was picked instead for the England squad in the Euros. Kelly has only had two minutes of international experience and he did not have a great spell with Liverpool this season as well.

Fowler expressed his opinion on his blog PaddyPower.com.

“There’s not a chance Rio Ferdinand was left out of the England squad for ‘footballing reasons’. Not a chance. The public knows that too”

“The reason is Rio’s brother, Anton, was allegedly racially abused by John Terry”

“I’ve read that Ferdinand got in touch with Hodgson shortly after he was appointed as manager to say he was willing to play in the same England team as Terry”

“Rio was then overlooked for the Euro 2012 23-man squad for what was described as ‘purely a footballing decision’ by Hodgson”

“It’s the choice by Hodgson to replace the injured Chelsea centre-half Gary Cahill with Martin Kelly that has really caused the backlash now”

“I played with Rio Ferdinand at Leeds United. He is a fantastic player who reads the game brilliantly. He started 30 Premier League games for Manchester United last season and nearly won the league. Footballing reasons?” Fowler remarked.

The Chelsea defender will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London on 9th of July for the verdict on the racism charge. Terry has already claimed his innocence in the case.

Fowler was also supported by Tottenham and Holland forward, Rafael van der Vaart.

“It surprised me because I think he’s still one of the best defenders in England, and maybe in the world,”

“Of course, he’s a little bit older now, but he’s still fit and fresh and he played for Manchester United.” Van der Vaart went on to add.