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Football: Terry Stripped of England Captaincy, Keeps Place in National Team
February 03, 2012

Former England captain John Terry is in hot water again but will keep his place in the squad. (EPA Photo) Former England captain John Terry is in hot water again but will keep his place in the squad. (EPA Photo)
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London. John Terry was removed as England captain on Friday as he awaited trial for racial abuse, but the Chelsea defender remained eligible to play for the national team at the European Championship.

The English Football Association said that Terry would be stripped of the captaincy “until the allegations against him are resolved.”

“[The board] collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties that John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed at this time,” the FA said. “This decision has been taken due to the higher-profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament.

“The FA board can confirm that he has not been excluded from the squad.”

England coach Fabio Capello was not consulted about the decision. Capello and the FA had previously said Terry could continue as captain because he was “innocent until proven guilty” of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match in October.

But Capello and the FA had expected Terry’s trial would take place before the European Championship in Ukraine and Poland.

A judge on Wednesday, however, delayed the trial until July 9, a week after the Euro 2012 final, after Chelsea said it would be difficult for players to testify during the Premier League season.

“This decision [to sack Terry] in no way infers any suggestion of guilt in relation to the charge made against John Terry,” the FA said.

The FA’s ruling comes after mounting calls this week for Terry to be replaced from politicians, anti-racism campaigners and media pundits who warned of a “toxic” atmosphere in England’s multiracial dressing room if he remained. Damian Collins, a member of Parliament who sits on the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, had led calls for Terry to be fired.

“John Terry should stand aside as captain until the case is resolved, and any doubt either way removed,” he said.

Piara Powar, the executive director of European football’s anti-discrimination body — Football Against Racism in Europe — also said Terry should be replaced.

Terry was stripped of the captaincy almost two years to the day after he lost the armband for the first time ahead of the 2010 World Cup over allegations he had an affair with the former girlfriend of England teammate Wayne Bridge.

Anton Ferdinand’s brother, Rio, was made captain then, but Terry was reinstated in March, with Capello saying that “one year’s punishment is enough.”

Terry’s position was thrown into doubt just six months later when he allegedly shouted abuse at Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea’s 1-0 loss at QPR. The FA’s own investigation was put on hold when the police probe began.

Rio is still a member of the England squad and could regain the captaincy again, although Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard could also be considered.

AP, AFP