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2 unusual facts about Rio Ferdinand


Choc ice

On 14 July 2012 the term 'choc ice' became the focus of a racism row when footballer Rio Ferdinand seemingly endorsed a tweet by a Twitter user who had used the term pejoratively in criticising fellow footballer Ashley Cole, suggesting Cole was figuratively "black on the outside, white on the inside".

Heather Rabbatts

In October 2013 she criticised the make-up of the Football Association's commission to improve the national team as being "all-white, all-male"; Rio Ferdinand was subsequently added to the commission.


1996–97 West Ham United F.C. season

Exciting young defender Rio Ferdinand broke into the side and so impressed that an international call-up appeared imminent, while newly-signed strikers Paul Kitson and John Hartson gave the attack the much-needed boost that Radiciou and Futre had failed to deliver.

Ferdinand v Mirror Group Newspapers

On 25 April 2010, the Sunday Mirror ran an article entitled "My Affair with England Captain Rio", in which interior designer Carly Storey gave an account of an alleged relationship with Rio Ferdinand.

Henry McStay

Henry began his club career with Leeds United without ever breaking through in to the first team, this was primarily due to the abundance of riches Leeds had in Henry's position at the time, players such as Lucas Radebe, Jonathan Woodgate and Rio Ferdinand already established centre backs for the Whites.

Homosexuality in English football

In October 2006, England international Rio Ferdinand caused controversy by calling BBC Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles a 'faggot' live on air, just days after team-mate Paul Scholes was also in trouble for an alleged homophobic remark about him being gay with a funny hair do.

Tony Carr

Since then in his tenure as director, as of 2010, Carr is credited with producing talent which has earned an estimated £80 million in transfer fees for the club, while the 23 man England squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup contained no less than seven players trained by Carr - Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson and John Terry.

Wakefield F.C.

The match ended 2–1 with Paul David scoring for Emley, Frank Lampard and John Hartson grabbed the two Hammers goals (The team that day also featured Rio Ferdinand).


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