RIO IN THE DOCK

Last updated : 14 October 2003 By editor

Rio Ferdinand pleaded his case in front of Football Association chiefs on Monday as he was left to await a decision on whether he faces a misconduct charge for failing to take a drugs test.

Ferdinand, was accompanied by Professional Footballer's Association chief executive Gordon Taylor.

In a statement released by Manchester United, Ferdinand declared:

"In accordance with the FA procedures and timetable, I participated today in an FA interview and provided the association with a full and detailed explanation of my failure to take a random test on September 23.My explanation dealt with a number of issues, including the reasons why I failed to attend the test and my attempts to rectify the situation with a test that same day.I also reiterated my condemnation of drugs in sport."