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Terry faces ban, loss of England captaincy

Comment: 0 February 2nd, 2012 by: admin

A DOUBLE whammy is staring in the face of John Terry.

That is, if the decision on his alleged racial slur case against Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand is handed down five months from now.

The 31-year-old Terry could be stripped of the England captaincy and slapped with a ban from international football until after the case is heard in July.

The Football Association were presented with those possibilities on Wednesday after the trial was adjourned until 19 July. By that time, the European championships have been over.

Reading striker and BBC pundit Jason Roberts branded as “toxic” the England dressing room if Terry remains captain this summer.

He said Terry should not go to the Euros, believing that the dressing room at the tournament will be toxic “unless correct decision is made.”

In their next board meeting on 23 February, the FA are expected to tackle the Terry issue as they insisted they want the matter resolved before the Euro 2012. That would be six days before the Three Lions battle Holland in a friendly at Wembley.

Roberts’ sentiments were mirrored by Piara Power, head of Football Against Racism in Europe.

“Innocent until proven guilty. But should John Terry remain England captain through the Euros?” he asked.

He stressed that the seriousness of the allegations means he can’t lead the country. “To be captain means to be the leader. You have to take everyone with you. The captaincy does not prejudice the case.”

Despite the criticisms, the FA showed support to England manager Fabio Capello, backing his belief that Terry remains innocent until proven guilty and that he must lead the team against Sweden in November.

The first hearing regarding the case was set for Wednesday but Terry did not show up at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Instead, his barrister, George Carter-Stephenson, entered a not guilty plea.

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