THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Last updated : 12 March 2006 By Ed

The Sunday Mirror:

Rio Ferdinand is the first victim of a technology clampdown launched by Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Manchester United manager wants to ban his players from using MP 3 players, headphones and other gadgets in the changing rooms before matches.

And the England centre-back was the first fall guy under Fergie's new rules. Ferguson expects his players to switch all electronics off once they are preparing for a match inside the dressing room.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar witnessed the moment when Ferguson decided enough was enough.

The Dutch star said: "The manager pulled the earphones right out of Rio's ears the other day at United. He made out he was joking for a second, but I strongly believe he was giving a message to Rio.

"In the dressing room at United everyone has to be focussed and pay attention to what is being said."