England Captain shows his class, again!

[Sailing into trouble]

Looks like John Terry is determined to be remembered for just about everything apart from his footballing skills. Now up on Criminal charges for racist comments.

from the BBC

John Terry to be charged over Anton Ferdinand race row

The allegations centre around a game at Loftus Road in October
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England captain John Terry will face a criminal charge of using racist language towards footballer Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game.

Mr Terry is alleged to have used racist language towards the 26-year-old Queens Park Rangers player during Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road on 23 October.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mr Terry was accused of a racially aggravated public order offence.

The 31-year-old vowed to fight the charge "tooth and nail".

Police questioned the Chelsea captain under caution in November and a file on the matter was sent to the CPS at the beginning of December.

'I am disappointed'
Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London, said: "I have today advised the Metropolitan Police that John Terry should be prosecuted for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments allegedly made during a football match between Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October.

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Analysis


David Bond
BBC sports editor
It's extremely difficult for England and the FA.

My understanding is that the FA won't suspend him and will let the case take its course. There is a precedent of course.

Steven Gerrard was charged with affray in 2008 and he continued to play for England.

It's hugely disruptive. England's next game is in February against The Netherlands and he could be in court earlier in the month.

The FA will hope it's cleared up by then.

"The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and, after careful consideration of all the evidence, I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case."

She continued: "He is now summonsed with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice his trial."

The decision to charge Mr Terry was taken after police received a complaint from a member of the public.

The CPS had asked police for more information regarding the incident before making their decision.

New evidence, featuring previously unseen footage from TV cameras, was subsequently handed to the CPS last week.

Mr Ferdinand has only said he has "very strong" feelings on the subject.

Mr Terry said: "I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible.

"I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends.

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“
Start Quote

Chelsea FC has always been fully supportive of John in this matter and will continue to be so”

Chelsea FC
"I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence."

He added: "I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society."

The centre-half made his England debut against Serbia and Montenegro in 2003 and has been capped 72 times.

Mr Terry replaced David Beckham as captain of the national side in 2006.

He then lost the captaincy amid allegations of an affair with the girlfriend of team-mate Wayne Bridge before the last World Cup - before winning it back in March.

The defender has won the Premier League three times with Chelsea, but missed a penalty in a shoot-out against Manchester United which would have won them the 2008 Champions League.

A statement released by Chelsea read: "John has made it clear he denies the charge and is determined to do all he can to prove his innocence.

"Chelsea FC has always been fully supportive of John in this matter and will continue to be so.


Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas previously said he would give his full support to John Terry
"The club finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent and we are proud of the work we undertake campaigning on this important issue."

The club said it could not comment further while the legal process continues.

The FA had put its own investigation on hold until the CPS decision was made. An FA spokesman said the organisation was considering what to do next.

Mr Terry is due before West London Magistrates' Court on 1 February.

The maximum sentence for the offence is a fine of £2,500.

As a summary offence under the Crime and Disorder Act, it will be fully heard in a magistrates' court.

The decision to prosecute John Terry comes the day after Liverpool striker Luis Suarez received an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

[jizzybloke]

JT is a prick but in the UK they can blow any little comment out of proportion

I don't know what he's said or done??!!

[blue]

Terry insists Ferdinand had shouted
"did you just call me a black kunt ?"
and that he was merely answering back
"no, I didn't call you a black kunt you fuking knobhead "
when the cameras zoomed in.

[nigelandjan]

Terry insists Ferdinand had shouted "did you just call me a black kunt ?"

Now the daft thing is , if he had just knocked him out sparko at that point he would have been on a far lesser charge.

He will get off anyway cause unlike you or I he will be able to pay for one of the best barristers in the land who will be able to dig up the most obsolete get out clause imaginable ,, after the event , they will both cruise of toward Esher to a nice little pub for a liquid lunch , later in the afternoon JT will be wearing the Barristers syrup signing all and sundry put in front of him . Tweeted and utubed in 8 mins flat

[Sailing into trouble]

So what is the point of all this? These are guys that kick a ball around for a living. Why should we expect them to be kind polite show tolerance and understanding when they are paid vast amounts of money to run around a field kicking a ball. If the ref called every offensive word, the game would never get going and by half time be 5 a side.

Not excusing Terry if he said something, but criminal charges?

[Gerbil]

How can calling someone 'Black' if he is 'Black' be anything other than speaking the truth.

Whether or not he is a 'cnut' is surely the question and that is definitely open to debate.

[harrybarracuda]

Foul and Abusive language is supposed to be treated by referees as violent conduct, and referees are supposed to show a straight red card.

If they did that, Rooney would never play again.

[nigelandjan]

^ and managers would be banned from the touchline

[harrybarracuda]

^ and managers would be banned from the touchline

Neil Warnock would be banned for life.

[kmart]

Ferdinand needs a slap for making a meal out of this.

[harrybarracuda]

Ferdinand needs a slap for making a meal out of this.

For the love of God, he DIDN'T. A member of the public did, which is why it's going to court.

You're confusing him with Evra, who grassed up Suarez.

[Bower]

I hope this is not going to breed a host of unfounded allegations in order to get players banned.

[Sailing into trouble]

For the love of God, he DIDN'T. A member of the public did, which is why it's going to court.

You're confusing him with Evra, who grassed up Suarez.

Yip Harry has it!

[kmart]

Ferdinand needs a slap for making a meal out of this.

For the love of God, he DIDN'T. A member of the public did, which is why it's going to court.

You're confusing him with Evra, who grassed up Suarez.

Noted, harry. Thanks.