man-united-star-arrested-over-riot-claims
Rio Ferdinand has apologised for his role in triggering some of the worst scenes of violence ever witnessed in Manchester.
Police claim that rioting and looting erupted across Manchester City Centre and Salford after a tweet appeared on Rio Ferdinand’s Twitter account saying ‘Can’t wait 2 smash City again’ and a later message clearly stated ‘I hope England gets trashed.’
Many saw the Tweets as their cue to take to the streets and eyewitnesses describe some youths as wearing Manchester United shirts emblazoned with the slogan ‘Rio thinks it’s OK!’ and ‘Twitter made me do it’.
“They were all shouting that Rio had given them the go ahead” said Eileen Gibson from Odsall, “How could I stop them if they have been given permission by the former England captain? I could understand it from John Terry but not from Rio?”
However although Police arrested Ferdinand on suspicion of inciting a riot it was later revealed that there had been a mix up and that Ferdinand had been misunderstood.
Speaking earlier today Ferdinand, who has over Twitter 300,000 followers explained that he was simply saying that he enjoyed beating Manchester City and was pleased the England game had been cancelled as it gave him more time to prepare for the new season.
Authorities have accepted Ferdinand’s explanation and released the United star without charge but say they are still investigating a twitter message on Joey Barton’s page which read ‘calling all looters, attack sports Direct shops for free trainers!’