Rio Ferdinand loses court battle over Mirror's 'kiss and tell' story

Brazil News.Net
Friday 30th September, 2011

Rio Ferdinand, who was battling a privacy action over a 'kiss and tell' story in the court, ended up in the losing side after it was adjudged that his off-pitch antics were worthy of scrutiny as captain of England.

The Manchester United player accused the Sunday Mirror of misusing private information after it paid 16,000 pounds to Carly Storey to disclose details of their relationship.

However, Justice Nicol dismissed his claims and ruled in favour of the newspaper's right to freedom of expression by questioning his suitability for the role of captain.

Though Ferdinand's barrister argued that the footballer had not tried to meet the girl, after he was made England captain, the judge didn't find the answer 'persuasive'.

"I did not find this answer persuasive. In his evidence the claimant said that (Fabio) Capello had told him to be professional, not only on the pitch but 'around the hotel'," the Telegraph quoted the judge as saying.

"In the past, the Claimant (Ferdinand) had not behaved in a professional manner around the hotels into which he had tried to sneak Ms Storey.

"Whether or not he had done that in the few weeks since he had been made the permanent captain of England, his relative recent past failings could legitimately be used to call into question his suitability for the role," added the judge. (ANI)

Have your say on this story