Rio Ferdinand mystery clarified after TNT Sports presenter left PSG and Newcastle Champions League draw
Rio Ferdinand mysteriously vanished from Newcastle's Champions League draw with PSG on Tuesday night
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Rio Ferdinand left TNT Sports' coverage of PSG and Newcastle's 1-1 draw because he was ill, reports say.
The Manchester United star suddenly departed the broadcaster's show in mysterious circumstances on Tuesday night, with Laura Woods saying they were 'unforeseen'.
According to the Daily Mail, however, Ferdinand is set to return to his punditry duties tonight for Manchester United's Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
It's claimed he was taken ill last night and returned to his hotel in Paris to rest.
Rio Ferdinand is set to work for TNT Sports tonight as Manchester United prepare to play Galatasaray
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Ferdinand is, though, feeling better this morning and has declared himself fit for action.
The former England captain is currently on a flight from France to Turkey.
Woods had said on air last night: "Rio would be here to chat about Manchester United now, but we had to let him go [due to] unforeseen circumstances.
"He is OK. Don't worry."
Ally McCoist stepped in to cover for Ferdinand after his sudden disappearance.
He, Woods and Jermaine Jenas dissected the Champions League action, with Newcastle's hopes of going through suffering a huge blow.
Eddie Howe's side looked set to claim all three points after Alexander Isak found the net in the 24th minute.
However, there was late drama at the Parc des Princes when PSG were controversially given a penalty.
Tino Livramento was adjudged to have handled inside the box.
And Kylian Mbappe then stepped up to score and earn PSG a crucial point, denying Newcastle a second win over the Ligue 1 giants in the process.
Speaking after the game, Newcastle boss Howe was asked if he had a sense of injustice.
He replied by saying: "Yes I do.
“It wasn’t the right decision in my opinion. There are so many things to take into account at that moment, the speed first.
“It was a ricochet that when it is slowed down looks completely different to the live event.
"The ball hits his chest first, comes up and hits his hand.
"But his hand is not in an unnatural position, it is down by his side but he is in a running motion.
"I feel it is a poor decision and it’s hugely frustrating for us.”
PSG counterpart Luis Enrique added: "This is football, it is not basketball.
"We are one of the teams that scores the most goals in Europe, there is no doubt.
"One day the ball doesn't want to go in and this is what happens. It's like the script of a horror movie, but I hope to finish first in the group."
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Rio Ferdinand was unable to provide his analysis on Newcastle's Champions League draw with PSG
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The result in France leaves Newcastle third in the group with five points.
PSG are second with seven, with Borussia Dortmund leading the way with 10.
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