There will be no Rio in Manchester!

Since the time when Ferdinand was snubbed by Roy Hodgson for England squad, it was not difficult for a footie-fan to understand that ‘There will be no Rio in Rio’ but now after his latest controversy it seems that

‘There will be no Rio in Manchester too!’

Rio Ferdinand refused to wear the anti-racism shirt before the match against Stoke city at Old Trafford which on earth can be regarded as the most foolish act ever! Though Rio’s intentions were clear that he was furious over the leniency shown by English FA in ‘Terry-Ferdinand’ race row, this is not the best way to express your feelings, especially when your veteran manager (SAF) orders you to wear the shirt to promote the campaign.

Well, many would argue that racism cannot be eradicated by simply wearing t-shirts or ‘forcing’ others to do so but if we think logically, then what’s wrong in wearing a T-shirt even if you are not happy with the decision and it was only for the good of the society! Ferdinand’s refusal in wearing the shirt has done nothing but sparked a controversy and that too with a man called Sir Alex Ferguson, who is probably the last person with whom you would want to have a face-off . SAF, just a day, before the Stoke game blasted a Reading player Jason Roberts for not wearing the shirt. And even then, if you try to do the same thing in Manchester United with Ferguson in charge, that simply means you don’t respect your manager.

Ferdinand’s refusal to wear an anti-racism shirt in any way is not a valid form protest. But it seems that Ferdinand is unaware of ex-United players like Jaap Stam, Roy Keane etc. who have messed with Sir Alex Ferguson (or at least tried to) and what consequences they had to face after that.

With Chris Smalling and Phil Jones not far away from return, with Vidic possibly joining them in mid-December and Ferdinand himself turning 34 next month and with a body having pace not suitable for top-flight, the best which he could have hoped was a one year contract extension but now his retirement from club football (possibly country too!) next season seems inevitable!

But for the remainder of the season, he might be used as a substitute and possibly on an odd day he might fail to feature even on the bench, though his partnership with Jonny Evans has flourished (which had too!) somehow and is currently the only permutation possible for the back line. But it’s only a matter of time, the return of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones will surely add more competition in United defense and will force Ferdinand to step-up his efforts to remain a vital part of United back line.

Reports from some newspapers suggest that the case regarding Ferdinand’s refusal to wear T-shirt has cooled down and SAF will not take any further action against the 28-million defender. It seems hard to swallow as rarely it happens that SAF refuses to punish the player who has tried to go against his order, no matter how vital the player is! For me, it’s just a compromise from the gaffer for time being as he has lesser options (rather no options) for defense and sooner or later, when the injured players will return, Rio Ferdinand will be “DEALT WITH” .