More gay controversy for Moyles - Oct 2, 2020
Premiership footballer Rio Ferdinand turned the airwaves blue today after calling Chris Moyles a "faggot" live on air.

The DJ, who has been in hot water himself in the past for swearing during live broadcasts, was given the rebuke during a light-hearted exchange on his Radio 1 breakfast show.

He had been questioning the footballer about who he thought was more attractive of his Manchester United teammates - Alan Smith and Paul Scholes.

Referring to the two players’ nicknames, he said: "If you had to, who would you rather go out with - Smudger or Scholesy?"

Rio replied: "That is not my bag that, that is not my game, talking about going out with geezers."

But when the DJ, a Leeds United fan, jokingly declared that he would always prefer Smith, an ex-Leeds player, his guest said: "You’re a faggot."

As others in the studio expressed shock, the England defender said: "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m not homophobic."

After saying, "You can’t say that" Moylesy joked that the comment was "footballing terminology for a funny lad".

A spokeswoman for Radio 1 described the exchange as "banter".

But the banter could cause problems for the show, which has been in trouble before for its language.

Earlier this year the BBC came under fire from a homosexual rights group after it failed to uphold a complaint about Chris Moyles’s use of the word "gay" to mean "rubbish".

Today, a Radio 1 spokeswoman said just two phone complaints had been received about Ferdinand’s interview.

Rio’s new contract - May 04
Manchester United have been in talks with Rio Ferdinand over the renewal of his contract.


The football star may still be serving his eight month ban but it hasn’t stopped Fergie making sure that he has one of his star players on board for next season. Ferdinand missed a drugs test last year which saw him banned from playing until this September, missing most of the 2003/04 season, however Man U have backed him all the way and hope to see the striker back on the pitch next season.

Rio criticises FA - April 04
Peckham born Rio Ferdinand has hit out at the FA for trying to increase his ban.

Man U and England footballer Rio was banned for eight months for failing to turn up for a drugs test earlier in the season. The FA tried to extend his ban to twelve months but the independent commission that heard his appeal decided that the original ban would stand.

Ferdinand gets shirty! - 26/02/03
Peckham born Rio Ferdinand has signed a three-year contract, which will see him change his shirt many times over.

The Man United and England star is to be the new face of shirt manufacturer Ben Sherman.

As part of the modelling contract he will also be receiving a a personal stake in the company, which is the best-selling British shirt brand in the US.

The Beckham from Peckham scores again - 22/07/02
Another success story for Peckham born Rio Ferdinand, as yesterday he became the world’s most expensive defender.

Sir Alex Ferguson successfully clinched a £30 million deal, which moves Ferdinand from Leeds, his team of 18 months.