Rio Ferdinand's representative labels omission a 'disgrace'

Rio Ferdinand's representative has claimed that Roy Hodgson's decision to leave the defender out of the England squad for Euro 2012 is a 'disgrace'.

Hodgson left Ferdinand out of the original squad for the tournament and has chosen to replace the injured Gary Cahill with Liverpool defender Martin Kelly, a decision which angers Jamie Moralee, Ferdinand's representative.

A statement released by Moralee said: "Lampard, Terry, Barry, Gerrard; all ageing but they go to the tournament.

"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."

Hodgson recently claimed that Ferdinand was left out of the squad for 'footballing reasons' and not due to the court case regarding the alleged racial abuse aimed at his brother, Anton, by England centre-back John Terry earlier this season.