Rio to the FA: Listen to the fans

Ferdinand backs replay calls

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

RIO Ferdinand has criticised football bosses for not properly consulting fans and clubs before axing FA Cup replays.

The ex-England and Manchester United star spoke out as members of the FA Council raised concerns at its meeting yesterday.

A total of 119 EFL and National League clubs, who rely on glamorous replays to boost their income, have called for them to be reinstated.

Rio, inset, who played for his country 81 times and won six Premier League titles with United, said: "Fans and clubs are a big part of the game.