Podcasts · Rio Ferdinand Presents

Hand Back Those Medals! | Rio on Man City Punishment + JJ Gabriel Advice

28 Sep 2026 · 41 min

Rio Ferdinand is back alongside Joel Beya and Ste Howson to discuss Manchester City’s potential punishment, England’s defeat to Spain and the biggest talking points at Manchester United.Rio explains why he believes City should surrender their medals if the findings stand, sends a message to Joleon Lescott and considers how the players’ achievements should be remembered. Ste delivers his own punishment plan - including relegation and an unusual proposal to benefit grassroots football.The trio also debate Anthony Gordon’s comments about England’s identity. Rio explains why England should play to their strengths, revisits how Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were used internationally and makes the distinction between controlling matches and deciding them.Plus, Rio responds to Roy Keane’s criticism of Cole Palmer, explaining what the Chelsea forward offers that all of England’s other attacking players don’t.On United, Rio shares his experience of chatting with JJ Gabriel in the summer and explains why the club must remain firm while the family’s reasons are still unclear.He also challenges Ste’s assessment of Bruno Fernandes’ early-season form before the pair examine whether the criticism of United’s tactics is because of a fundamental difference between them and most other Premier League sides.

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