Rio Ferdinand gets four-match ban after 'frivolous' appeal

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has been given a four-match ban after the Football Association branded his appeal against a violent conduct charge "frivolous".

Ferdinand had denied the charge relating to an incident with Hull City's Craig Fagan last Saturday, meaning he was free to play in United's League Cup semi-final second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday.

United's decision to appeal the charge means what would have been an automatic three-match ban has been increased to four.

"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," the FA said in a statement.

Ferdinand, who had just returned for his first game since October because of a back injury, will miss his side's Premier League match at Arsenal on Sunday as well as games at home to Portsmouth, away to Aston Villa and away to Everton.

The 31-year-old England defender helped United book their place in the League Cup final thanks to a 4-3 aggregate victory over local rivals City.