Lazy? No, that's just Anton Ferdinand sitting on his asset

West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is swimming in the same gene pool as his big brother Rio Ferdinand and cousin Les, but whilst Rio is splashing and kicking his way to success, Anton is lounging on an inflatable ring, sipping on a Pina Colada, with the louche diffidence of a Roman emperor. 

In many ways Anton Ferdinand is known more for his extra-curricular exploits than any on-field brilliance – already grabbing headlines for being Rio’s sibling.  Anton was arrested on assault and violent disorder charges in late 2006, and even though Anton was merely given a warning, his troubles tumbled through to the next season.

West Ham were a club in crisis last season, and they were haemorrhaging points, with the blame falling strongly on the defence, and especially Anton Ferdinand. Accusations of laziness were tossed his way – and Anton, a card carrying member of the ‘Baby Bentley’ brigade only served to make things worse.

Just before the Hammers’ crucial game against Charlton, Anton lied about having to travel to the Isle of Wight to see his sick grandmother; instead he gallivanted off to Columbia, South Carolina, for an alcohol-guzzling 22nd birthday bash at the Knock Knock club.