EXCLUSIVE: Why Rio Ferdinand left TNT Sports’ Champions League live broadcast of PSG vs Newcastle mid-game – after Laura Woods blamed it on mystery ‘unforeseen circumstances’
Rio Ferdinand will return to the airwaves tonight for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Galatasary after suddenly leaving Newcastle’s live broadcast of Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Paris Saint Germain under mysterious circumstances last night.
Mail Sport can reveal that the former England captain fell ill during the match in Paris and returned to his hotel to rest, but he is feeling better this morning and has been declared fit for Champions League duty this evening.
It is believed Ferdinand is currently on a flight from Paris to Istanbul, where he will provide expert analysis for TNT as United look to get their Champions League campaign back on track, with Erik Ten Hag’s side needing a win to maintain their hopes to secure qualification for the Champions League. knockout stage alive.
TNT did not explain Ferdinand’s surprising absence after last night’s match other than a brief statement from presenter Laura Woods, who attributed his departure to unforeseen circumstances.
‘Rio was supposed to be here right now talking about Manchester United, but we had to let him go [due to] unforeseen circumstances,” Woods told viewers. ‘He’s fine. Do not worry.’
Rio Ferdinand was part of TNT Sports’ coverage ahead of Newcastle’s 1-1 draw against PSG
The ex-Man United star had to leave the broadcast due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’
Ally McCoist covered Ferdinand on the post-match show, as the Scot skipped commentary and joined Woods and Jenas.
It was left to the trio to discuss a breathtaking final in Ferdinand’s absence as Newcastle narrowly missed out on a famous win.
The Magpies looked set to take all three points after Alexander Isak caused a Gianluigi Donnarumma error in the first half to put the visitors ahead.
Newcastle held on well into second-half stoppage time thanks to heroic defending and an inspired goalkeeping performance from Nick Pope before Tino Livramento was controversially penalized for a handball in the penalty area.
It looked like a harsh call as the ball hit his chest before landing on his elbow, but after checking the on-pitch monitor the referee pointed to the spot and Kylian Mbappe tucked the penalty in to earn his side a point .
Fans were not told Ferdinand’s thoughts on the incident, but Jenas and McCoist both agreed that a penalty should not have been awarded, with the latter calling the refereeing decision ‘a disgrace’.
