Rio Ferdinand will not be part of the TNT Sports cover team for the semi-final of the Manchester United Europa League in Old Trafford on Thursday evening after being hospitalized by a disease bug.
Mail Sport understands that the bug has also affected other members of Ferdinand’s family, and it will now be kept away from grandiline tasks when it continues its recovery from the disease.
Ferdinand posted a photo of himself giving a boost from a hospital bed on Wednesday evening saying that he was “emptied” to miss the European semi-finals this week.
“Wishing the team all the best – I will look at the iPad every minute!” He wrote on his official account X.
TNT responded with a message on their own X account that was read: “Get Well Soon, Rio”.
Later, he posted on the penalty prize against Arsenal during his defeat in the semi-final of the Champions League against PSG, describing it as a “horrible decision”.
Rio Ferdinand watched Arsenal’s defeat against PSG Wednesday evening of his hospital bed
He will not be part of TNT Sports coverage of the Hans United game while he continues to recover from a bug of the disease
PSG received the kick for a handball by Myles Lewis-Skelly after a Var review, but Ferdinand was categorical, he should not have been given.
Vittinha then saved his penalty by David Raya, but PSG has always done enough to reserve their place in the final where they will face Inter Milan later this month.
Ferdinand is regularly part of TNT Sports European coverage in recent years, and has often been a co-author for United Games.
The former defender received criticism for his comment during the dramatic victory back in the quarter -final of United against Lyon last month, with the legendary broadcaster Clive Tyldesley claiming that Ferdinand and Robbie Savage celebrating the late goals of the Red Devils made the coverage similar to a fans.
But Ferdinand was back on comment for last week’s semi-final in Bilbao alongside Darren Fletcher and Savage while United experienced a dream evening.
United led the draw against Bilbao 3-0 before the house’s leg, making them overwhelming favorites to get a place in the May 21 final, which will be held in Bilbao.
TNT SPORTS and FERDINAND representatives were approached for comments.