RIO FERDINAND’S REPRESENTATIVE has blasted Roy Hodgson for snubbing the defender after Gary Cahill’s withdrawal from Euro 2012.
Liverpool’s Martin Kelly was called into the England squad instead of the 33-year-old defender, with Ferdinand’s representative Jamie Moralee labelling the decision as a ‘total lack of respect’.
Cahill was ruled out of the tournament earlier on Sunday afternoon after it was revealed he had fractured his jaw in two places during the 1-0 win over Belgium at Wembley, but Hodgson chose to go for the young Liverpool right-back over more experienced options such as Ferdinand or Manchester City’s Micah Richards.
“(Frank) Lampard, (John) Terry, (Gareth) Barry, (Steven) Gerrard; all ageing but they go to the tournament,” said Moralee.
“Why is Rio different? To treat a player that has captained and served his country 81 times (in this manner) is nothing short of disgraceful. Total lack of respect from Hodgson and the FA as far as I am concerned.”
Kelly made just 12 appearances for Liverpool last season, and only received his international debut in the final two minutes of the 1-0 win over Norway at the end of May.
The youngster’s call-up also means that the England squad now contains six Liverpool players, ahead of Manchester United who boast a contingent of four, followed by Manchester City with three.
