Man Utd defender Ferdinand may put England first over ban appeal

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is ready to drop his appeal against suspension.

The Sunday Times says Ferdinand is considering dropping his appeal against a Football Association ban to try to smooth his introduction to the England captain’s role.

Ferdinand hopes to spare the FA further blushes after the scandals surrounding his predecessor, John Terry, by accepting an extra one-match ban imposed on him for challenging a violent misconduct penalty levied for striking Craig Fagan during Manchester United’s Premier League game against Hull City last month.