Rio Handed 4-Game Ban

Rio Ferdinand has been handed a four-match suspension after being found guilty of violent conduct by the Football Association.

The Reds' defender was involved in an off-the-ball incident during United's 4-0 victory over Hull City and will now miss the next four matches against Arsenal, Portsmouth, Aston Villa and Everton.

A statement on the FA website said: "At an Independent Regulatory Commission today [Thursday] Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was given a four-match suspension to be served with immediate effect.

"Ferdinand denied a charge of violent conduct in relation to an incident in Manchester United’s home match with Hull City on Saturday 23 January 2010.

"Furthermore, the Independent Commission felt that the player’s claim against the charge was frivolous and on that basis have awarded an additional one match ban upon the statutory three match ban awarded for violent conduct."