Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Are the FA making up rules as they go along?
Ferdinand’s punishment is laughable compared to others, says KADEEM SIMMONDS

Rio Ferdinand is feeling pissed off and I don’t blame him. A three-match ban for an offensive tweet while Malky Mackay and Iain Moody are still yet to be punished for their disgusting text conversation shows how useless the Football Association is.

The problem lies with the FA and their independent panels they use to dish out punishments. In their eyes, saying something racist on the pitch warrants only a four match ban if you’re the England captain but Luis Suarez was given double that and he wasn’t even taken to a court of law.

John Terry was fined £220,000 while the former Liverpool striker was fined £40,000. No consistency whatsoever.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
Benfica manager Jose Mourinho ahead of the UEFA Champions League match at St. James' Park, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, October 21, 2025
Men’s football / 20 February 2026
20 February 2026
 08-11-2024 of Manchester City's Khadija Shaw celebrates scoring their side's fourth goal of the game
Women’s Football / 13 August 2025
13 August 2025

Forward looks to put injury frustration behind her to spearhead WSL campaign

Chelsea forward Noni Madueke, December 15, 2024
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

The footballers’ move across London has been met with severe criticism by Arsenal supporters on social media

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins applauds the fans after the Premier League match at the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, May 10, 2025
Men’s Football / 11 May 2025
11 May 2025

RAHMAN OSMAN speaks to fan favourite Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins about bringing his childhood dream to life on the pitch