Manchester United icon, Rio Ferdinand, was notably absent from TNT Sports’ coverage of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night due to a hospital admission.
The 46-year-old, a regular face on TNT Sports since hanging up his boots after a stellar career that saw him rack up over 700 appearances and claim six Premier League titles, was expected to be on punditry duty for the high-stakes European fixture.
However, just hours before kick-off, Ferdinand took to social media platform X to share an image from a hospital bed, flashing a thumbs-up and showing he was in good spirits despite the unexpected turn of events.
“Gutted to be missing the semi-finals this week on TNT Sports! Wishing the team all the best — I’ll be watching every minute from the iPad!” Ferdinand posted.
The former England defender, who lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Manchester United in 2008, assured fans he wouldn’t miss a moment of the action, even if it meant watching from a hospital room.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand stirred concern and controversy after a photo surfaced online showing him hospitalized with a drip attached to his arm.
While the former Manchester United defender didn’t disclose the reason for his hospitalization, the image has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across social media.
Some fans extended heartfelt wishes. One user, @DJDaley, expressed genuine concern, “Wishing you a speedy recovery at the soonest possible, stay blessed.”
Others, however, were less sympathetic and used the opportunity to criticize Ferdinand’s punditry. @Liverpool_data tweeted bluntly, “Speedy recovery but f**k me it’s nice not having to listen to you on comms.”
Echoing that sentiment, @C19 remarked, “There is a god!! Thank f**k we don’t have to listen to you.”
For @Prestigecar_rep, Ferdinand’s absence was more of a relief than a worry, “Not missed one bit. Much easier watching without your childish behaviour and embarrassing and unprofessional noise you emit from your wobbly gob.”
One particularly harsh comment came from @harleywaltonn, who wrote, “I hope you don’t end up dying in there whilst your Mrs is out cheating on you.”
Meanwhile, @livrplman added sarcastically, “Thank god…….saved our ears today……..actually enjoyed the commentary. 🤡.”
The responses reflect a stark divide, between those wishing Ferdinand well and others using the moment to express longstanding criticism.
