Rio Ferdinand has withdrawn his appeal against the extension of his three-match ban for violent conduct.

Ferdinand was suspended for three games for swinging an arm at Hull forward Craig Fagan during Manchester United's 4-0 victory last month, and the ban was extended to four games as the FA panel felt his decision to deny the charge was "frivolous".

Ferdinand then launched an appeal against the extra ban as Sir Alex Ferguson said he was concerned about the inconsistency of such decisions.

"There are conflicting ways in which these decisions are being viewed," he said. "The concern is the word 'frivolous'. The two most experienced referees in the Premier League are Alan Wiley and Steve Bennett.

"They are under the same controls and the same directions. One says yes [Bennett], in the case of Rio, and one says no [Wiley], in the case of Javier Mascherano against Leeds United when he punched the player in the back of the head. When you see that example, we don't think our appeal was frivolous."

The case was due to be heard on Friday, but the appeal may have resulted in a further extension of the ban, which would have meant Ferdinand was suspended for the Carling Cup final against Aston Villa on February 28.

Furthermore, it is believed that Ferdinand is reluctant to cause unnecessary friction with The FA following his recent elevation to England captain.