RIOGATE
Last updated : 09 December 2003 By editor
Rio Ferdinand is set to argue that he was denied an opportunity to take a drugs test when he launches his defence against an FA misconduct charge in Bolton next week.
It has emerged that Ferdinand contacted Manchester United officials 90 minutes after he was due to take the test on September 23 following a series of frantic calls from the club's Carrington training ground when it became apparent the England man had failed to turn up as planned.
Doping controllers were still at Carrington at that time but it is reported they told Ferdinand he could not return to take the test.
Both United and UK Sport, who carry out the FA's drugs testing programme, have refused to discuss Ferdinand's situation, but the Press Association understands the phone call - and the fact the testers were still at Carrington when it was made - will be a major part of the defender's defence.
And, if the allegations are proved to be true, it would undermine the case against the central defender.
