UK & World News
- 7 February 2012, 14:47
'FA Right Over Terry - Even If Capello Quits'
The FA's decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy is being backed by the Government - even if it leads to Fabio Capello quitting as national team manager.
Capello told Italian TV that the decision should not have been made before Terry's trial for alleged racist abuse.
He also said in the interview with Rai 1 that he still saw the player as England skipper.
The Italian's comments have led to a growing number of calls for him to quit or be sacked.
And Sports Minister Hugh Robertson insists the FA was right to act now - and losing Terry and Capello is a price worth paying.
"If the consequence of that (FA decision) is the manager walks away, if the consequence of that is John Terry walks away, I would regret both those two things enormously - but so be it," he said.
Mr Robertson said it was impossible for Terry to carry on as captain ahead of his trial after being accused of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
"Every single press conference, every single appearance, everything the England team had done during those Euros, if he had been captain, would have had that as a backdrop," he said.
"Whatever you think of John Terry the person, whatever you think about the case, that's bound to have had a poor effect on the England team so it was the only practical and sensible thing the FA could do."
Terry is accused of abusing Ferdinand in a Premier League game which took place in October. He has denied the charges and will stand trial on July 9.
The trial is set to happen just days after the Euro 2012 tournament, when Terry had been expected to captain the national side.
what do you think?
Mary Steel
Disgraceful. England should stand behind the FA decision, this Italian should go back and run his own countrie's team, he thinks he can say and do what he likes and get away with it, what planet is he on ? Where is the loyalty to a country who has paid him very well for the poor job he has done, he should go too. Terry should be nowhere near the Euro 2012 tournament as it is not a viable option under the circumstances, and he only has himself to blame, he is another one who thinks he is above the law, we shall see.
Gordon Wright
The last time I checked, people still had the right of free speech, both in this country and in Italy. Mr Capello is entitled to air his opinion. John Terry is also entitled to be presumed innocent till proven otherwise..........
Jan N Andy Oakley-Hills
INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY - THAT IS THE LAW OF THE UK, SO THAT SHOULD STAND ABOVE ALL OTHER, AT ALL TIMES! PERHAPS ALL THE PLAYERS SHOULD SHOW SOLIDARITY AND RESIGN IF CAPELLO GOES?
Gordon Wright
So now it appears that being simply accused of an offence is sufficient to condemn someone. I remember the good old days when people were innocent till proven guilty..................
Windows Live User
Whether he did or didnt abuse Ferdinand is ultimately for a court of law to decide The Fa have shown no support to the England team captain by this move. Terry should leave international football now and to H.. with England. Leave out the best captain we have Capello is a man of courage to stand behind his players and not give in to the FA who feel they are all powerful yet withered in the face of fifa
Alan Norman
Hmmm! Presumably should Terry be found not guilty in a court of law, (and if he is good ridance) then Ferdinand will be charged with inciting rasism and making false rasist accusations, and he will be treated in the same manner. I think not!!
Ian Simpson
Regardless of who stays and who goes, who cares we are bloody rubbish.They should pay for pride. we should be talking about the football and not all the other rubbish that surrounds it.
Roger Siviter
You have totally missed the point Mary, this country and this government will totally defend the publics right to be fairly treated, innocent until proven guilty, to only be charged with serious crimes, to be able to stand with your head held high and to have the right to defend freedom of speech that people like my Grandfather died for without being persecuted by PC fanatics...................'Unless you are white!
keith
ROGER-SPOT ON!!!!!
Roger W. Patrick
The F.A,. should not pre-emp a criminal trial, they have no right to disregard the basic principle of law in this country that " a man is innocent utill proven guilty" and if JohnTerry is found innocent at his trial, I think he should sue the F.A. and the Sports Minister for backing up a pretty shabby decision
Windows Live User
Spot on Roger The other part that sticks with me is they take his captaincy but let him play???? Terry is confident he will prove his innocence and we should all stick with that until the judge says otherwise I kow that If I was Terry I would tell the FA to shove it and find another mug
Ben
This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.
Ben
Why can't we comment on the story '' Man Held Over 'Hate' Attack On Teenager '' ?
Jenny Molloy
Because it wasn't a gang of white men who attacked an asian youth but the other way round
BassDb4
I would be very surprised and disappointed if a player would make up something like that .And has for the player being accused I mean look at his past not exactly a role model his he .You can't have a team goin into the euros with a player bringing ill feeling and controversy right from the start ....roony the same with is behaviour costing a ban.Some are saying innocent until proven guilty ,maybe but what if he went and later was found to be guilty ?.In the past he's cost a player his England place because of his behaviour ,if he had anything about him he should of bowed out not the victim.With some players their a liability I think he's one of them.
MarcPayne1
11:19am on 7/2/2012
He has to go.