Ferdinand's appeal comes back to haunt him

Rio Ferdinand has been handed a four-match ban from the FA after failing to win his appeal against a violent conduct charge. The lengthy ban is a combination of a punishment for this violent conduct and the result of launching an appeal viewed by the FA as having no chance of being successful.

The violent conduct charge is understandable and conventional; he was found guilty of striking Craig Fagan during Manchester United’s clash against Hull. Steve Bennett, the referee at the time, did not have a clear view of the incident and so failed to take action during the game. However, he has since stated that Ferdinand would have been sent off if match officials had observed the incident. The charge for launching a frivolous appeal, described in an FA statement as worthy of "an additional one-match ban upon the statutory three-match ban awarded for violent conduct" is slightly more obscure.

It is thought that the club were aware of the risk of launching an appeal against the charge, with officials advised that it could be viewed as a waste of time by the top dogs at the FA but it does leave clubs and players in something of a quandary. Where is the line between a legitimate appeal and a frivolous one? Where can the FA draw the line between their own opinion on a particular incident and that of those involved?

Ferdinand will now miss this weekend’s crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and he will also have to be ruled out of matches against Portsmouth, Aston Villa, and Everton in a stretch that could represent a crucial period in United's quest to retain their Premier League crown - the sports betting odds suggest they have a reasonable chance of finishing as champions.

However, Ferdinand should be back for the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa.

United are seen as a good Carling Cup bet by many pundits as they are favourites to lift the trophy.