Axe Terry or risk toxic team spirit, England chiefs urged
ENGLAND chiefs have been urged to drop captain John Terry or risk a “toxic” dressing room at Euro 2012, after his trial for alleged racist abuse was adjourned until after this summer’s tournament.
Terry will now not face court until 9 July, meaning he is likely to keep the armband and his place in the squad for the European Championships, barring injury or a U-turn from manager Fabio Capello or the Football Association. But Piara Powar, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe, last night called on the FA to intervene.
“The seriousness of the allegations mean that he can’t lead the nation,” Powar said. “The FA must do the right thing.”
Reading forward Jason Roberts, a campaigner for anti-racism movement Kick It Out, warned of the consequences of including the Chelsea star.
“Believe me, the dressing room at the Euros will be TOXIC unless the correct decision is made,” Roberts wrote on Twitter.
“I do not believe that the England captain should go to the Euros.”
Terry has refused to step down and denies the charge of committing a racially aggravated public order offence towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match in October.
The 31-year-old’s legal team yesterday entered a not guilty plea on his behalf in a brief hearing at West London Magistrates Court, which the player did not attend.
Chelsea directors asked that Terry’s trial be postponed until the conclusion of the domestic season and Euro 2012, which ends on 1 July.