Sometimes it gets hard for an average football fan to remember the players’ names. A recent commentary error from ex-Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand who used to Bully Cristiano Ronaldo during his Red Devils’ days, showed us that not only fans but also football pundits can sometimes get confused.
The English defender was responsible for providing analysis in the recent Merseyside Derby. Unfortunately, the 44-year-old made an error that made him the center of jokes for all the fans. Some people have started to criticize him, saying that he should not be allowed in the commentary box.
Rio Ferdinand makes blunder during commentary
On October 21, Liverpool and Everton faced off in a Premier League Round 9 match at Anfield Stadium. The home team secured a 2-0 victory. The guests found themselves at an early disadvantage when their right back, Ashley Young, received a second yellow card in the 37th minute, forcing him to exit the game and take a spot on the bench. Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United player, was called upon to analyze the second yellow card, and he pointed out a silly mistake.
Playing alongside Ashley Young for three years at United, the 44-year-old still couldn’t recall his former teammate’s name and consistently referred to him as ex-Chelsea player Ashley Cole. Not only Ferdinand, but his co-commentator Ally McCoist also committed the same mistake before him. Rio Ferdinand’s error has turned him into a global laughing stock among fans.
Rio Ferdinand apologizes after taking a dig at Liverpool player
Rio Ferdinand’s commentary was not at its best; he even apologized after reacting to a short from Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. After the 22-year-old Hungarian fired a shot from 30 yards, Ferdinand shouted “Wow” forcing commentator Darren Fletcher to say “I think Rio thought he was in”. Rio jokingly apologized to the fans, saying, “Sorry guys, I can’t control myself up here!”
The winner of the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League faced backlash due to his commentary, as disappointed fans flocked to social media to express their criticism. One fan tweeted, “Hi @tntsports, how do I turn the Rio Ferdinand feature off?” While another wrote, “Please get a microphone away from Rio Ferdinand.” One fan was so disappointed that he asked Rio to stay away from the commentary box. “I speak for every football fan when I say, Please keep Rio Ferdinand as far away from that commentary box as possible in the future,” he said.
While some fans expressed disappointment, others embraced the commentary from the former English defender. “Rio Ferdinand provides a fan’s perspective on the game, and I genuinely enjoy it,” one fan wrote.
Rio Ferdinand will undoubtedly remember this blunder and will likely exercise greater caution during his future microphone appearances.
