By FRANCO PANIZO
Rio Ferdinand's rough summer just got worse.
Having missed out on Euro 2012 due to manager Roy Hodgson electing John Terry over him, Ferdinand is now being charged by the English Football Association over remarks he made on Twitter following the conclusion of Terry's recent trial. Ferdinand made reference to comments made by Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, who was a defense witness for Terry in the racism trial of Ferdinand's brother Anton, as someone who is black on the outside and white on the inside.
That has forced the FA to take action and Ferdinand has until Thursday to respond to the improper conduct charge made against him. If found guilty, Ferdinand could receive a fine and/or suspension before the new Premier League campaign.
Here are more stories from around the soccer world:
SWISS OLYMPIAN BANNED
Twitter has gotten another soccer player in England in trouble.
Swiss Olympian Michel Morganella has been banned for the rest of the tournament for an insulting tweet aimed at the South Korean Olympic team following Switzerland's 2-1 loss to the Asian side on Sunday. Morganella, a Palermo defender, had played all 180 minutes for Switzerland in its draw with Gabon and loss to South Korea.
Switzerland's run in London may only have one more game remaining anyway, as the Swiss must beat Mexico while hoping for South Korea to slip up against Gabon all while overcoming a two goal differential.
EVERTON NEARING PERMANENT PIENAAR DEAL
Everton is already putting that Tim Cahill transfer money from New York to good use.
The Toffees have reportedly agreed with Tottenham on a fee to bring Steven Pienaar back to Goodison Park a year and a half after he bolted Merseyside for London.
Pienaar never really fit in with Tottenham and returned to Everton on loan for the last half of last season, scoring four goals and rediscovering his top form.
MAN UTD, CHEVROLET AGREE TO DEAL
The front of Manchester United's uniforms will have a bit of a different look starting in 2014.
The Red Devils and General Motors car brand Chevrolet have agreed to a seven-year sponsorship deal beginning in the 2014-2015 season, with the American brand replacing the current sponsor, Aon. Chevrolet will become the fifth kit sponsor in the club's history. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
—————————–
What do you think Ferdinand's punishment should be? Think it was just for Switzerland to ban Morganella for the rest of the tournament? Should athletes be disciplined for insulting tweets? How do you see Pienaar faring in his full return to Everton?
Share your thoughts below.