England captain Ferdinand abandons appeal

The case was due to be heard on Friday and last week the Premier League champions' manager Sir Alex Ferguson indicated a desire to contest the penalty, which had extended a three-match ban into a four-game suspension for Ferdinand's attack on Hull City striker Craig Fagan at Old Trafford last month.

However, that was before Ferdinand was appointed as England captain by Fabio Capello in place of disgraced John Terry and rather than risk facing the FA so soon, the 31-year-old has opted to accept his punishment.

It means Ferdinand, who will serve the third match of his suspension this evening when United visit Aston Villa, will also sit out the trip to Everton on February 20.

Ferguson is unhappy at the inconsistencies within the FA system, having noted that Javier Mascherano was not even charged following what the United manager felt was an offence of similar gravity during Liverpool's Carling Cup win at Leeds United in September.

The Red Devils also felt provocation on Ferdinand was not taken into account when the FA reached their verdict.

However, the club may still view the action as being worthwhile as it allowed Ferdinand to play in the Carling Cup semi-final against Manchester City last month that ended with United booking a cup final appearance at Wembley and generating added momentum to their season.

It also suggests Ferdinand is acutely aware of the spotlight he will now be under as England captain and the need to take a measured approach to his dealings with the FA.

Terry has recovered from the dead leg he collected in the victory over Arsenal on Sunday and will lead the Blues against Everton at Goodison Park tonight.

He is expected to leave for Dubai after the game to spend time with his wife Toni and coach Carlo Ancelotti yesterday confirmed the player will be given time off should he ask for it.

"We have spoken and we will take the decision together after the Everton game to see if he needs to rest two days or if he wants to stay here and play against Cardiff (in the FA Cup)," said Ancelotti.

"He has not asked for any time off to see his wife. My preference is what he wants. I am totally supportive of him. We will make the decision together.

"We want to respect the FA Cup because it is an important trophy in this country so we will speak after the game again."