Rio Launches Fresh Appeal

Rio Ferdinand is to appeal the extra game of the four-match suspension meted out to him by the Football Association.

The England defender came through his first game back since a lengthy injury lay-off unscathed against Hull City last month, but his return was soured when video footage caught him swinging an arm at Craig Fagan in an off-the-ball incident.

Manchester United appealed the three-match ban issued to him for violent conduct in a move that allowed him to play against Manchester City in last week's Carling Cup semi-final, only to be hit with an extra game after the FA deemed his action 'frivolous'.

Ferdinand missed Sunday's win at Arsenal and is also set to be absent from games against Portsmouth at home and away trips to Aston Villa and Everton.

He is not eligible to contest the mandatory three-game ban, but he is entitled to appeal against the additional suspension.

If successful he could figure in the Everton match at Goodison Park but should the FA again deem his challenge frivolous then an additional game could be added onto his suspension - thus ruling him out of the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa.

Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to support the appeal with the likelihood being Wes Brown and Johnny Evans will be rewarded for their efforts throughout the tournament with starting places at Wembley in any case.