56ferdierio_415x557 Rio Ferdinand and controversy never seem too far apart. Whether it was his high profile transfer from Leeds, a failed drugs test or a homophobic remark, Ferdinand is always landing himself in sticky situations.

In 1997, after an impressive season with West Ham, Ferdinand was called up for a World Cup qualifier against Moldova. He was subsequently dropped from the squad by Glenn Hoddle after he was caught driving under the influence of alcohol and banned from driving for 12 months.

In 2000, Ferdinand, along with a number of other young English players, was under the spotlight again. Videos of heavy drinking and sex with girls they picked up whilst on holiday in Ayia Napa were leaked to a Sunday newspaper.

After his £30million move from Leeds to Manchester, Ferdinand received yet another driving ban for excessive speeding. However, in 2003, he topped them all. Ferdinand was banned from football for 8 months and fined £50,000 after missing a routine drug’s test.

Season by season Ferdinand has gone on to become one of the best defenders in World football. He has become some-what of a role model to young players by leading United to numerous trophies. However, his recent altercation with Hull’s Craig Fagan has landed the defender with a 4-match ban.

United have accused the FA of double standards after Javier Mascherano had escaped without a ban after committing a similar offence. The reality is that each situation is undoubtedly taken as it was. No comparisons to other offence’s. That might be a down-fall of the FA, and in doing so they are undoubtedly risking the wrath of club’s who feel hard done by. It could be said that, unless Ferdinand had been given a one match ban, Sir Alex will always have felt hard done by. His frustration will probably be more to do with the timing, than the actual ban. Having spent the whole Christmas period with a make-shift defence, Fergie is beginning to become desperate for fit defenders. The form of Chelsea and with some crunch games, starting with the visit to the Emirates, coming up, his frustration is understandable.

Before I risk ranting about a player who, despite having a fairly average season by his standards, will still be one of England’s most important players at this summer’s World Cup, we must remember that this is a player who has been praised for his work with a number of different charities.

The worry for England fans is that this 4-match ban, potentially 5 matches if United decide to appeal against the decision, is the latest disappointment in a season which has been very stop-start for Ferdinand. With the World Cup just 5 months away, many fans will have been pleased to see him return on Wednesday evening. After spending the majority of the first half of the season sidelined with injury, it is paramount for England, and United, that Ferdinand gets as many games under his belt as possible before the summer.

Crunch time it may be. But for the while Fergie will have to do it without Rio.