Rio Ferdinand forced to leave studio during Champions League game due to 'unforeseen circumstances'

Rio Ferdinand was forced to ditch his presenting duties during Newcastle's draw against Paris Saint-Germain last night (28 November).

The former Man United star, 45, had to leave the TNT Sports studio in the middle of the Champions League clash, leaving co-host Laura Woods to explain his absence.

She explained Ferdinand was unable to stay for the post-match debrief due to 'unforeseen circumstances'.

Many viewers were obviously left concerned for the footie ace, but Woods reassured people and suggested it was nothing to worry about.

However, it did mean fans missed out on Ferdinand's input following the nail-biting game at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

While discussing United's match against Galatasaray which is due to take place later today (29 November), Woods added: "Rio would be here to chat about Manchester United now but we had to let him go [due to] unforeseen circumstances. He is OK, don't worry."

Ferdinand looked like he was buzzing for the match on his Instagram stories ahead of kick off.

TNT Sports

The ex-England player shared a video of him and Jermaine Jenas pitch-side as they prepared for the game to begin.

Discussing his predictions, Ferdinand said: "Yes JJ, what you going for? I'm gonna go for a Newcastle defeat. 3-0. 3-0 Paris."

Let's hope he didn't put any money down on that.

Woods instead covered all the action on the pitch last night with pundit Ally McCoist, who had to dash down from commentary, and Jenas.

She made a hilarious dig, which Ferdinand got to enjoy before he had to dash off, at former Newcastle United midfielder as ex-goalie Shay Given joined them.

Introducing the former Toon goalkeeper after he swanned up a little late, the presenter joked: "We have a proper Newcastle legend alongside us now... Shay Given."

TNT Sports

Jenas took the jibe in good fun and feigned offence saying 'wow' before he walked off camera.

Woods was left laughing while Ferdinand quipped: "Get your coat!"

The game itself wasn't without drama either, as Newcastle's Tino Livramento was controversially penalised for a hand ball inside the penalty area.

Fans have been debating the validity of the punishment as the ball seemed to slam into his chest before hitting his elbow.

The Magpies had initially been ahead after Alexander Isak hit the back of the net in the 24th minute, but Kylian Mbappé managed to score with an impressive spot-kick in the 98th minute, following the hand ball.

McCoist said the penalty awarded to PSG was a 'disgrace' and called for a law change in the wording around spot-kicks.