It’s the story that will not go away. Despite being cleared in court of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a match against QPR last season, Chelsea captain John Terry has been charged by the Football Association of having used “abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour” in the 23 October match.
The statement on the FA web site reads:
“After seeking advice from an external Independent QC, and having considered the evidence and Magistrates’ Court decision in the John Terry case, The FA has today charged the Chelsea player following an alleged incident that occurred during the Queens Park Rangers versus Chelsea fixture at Loftus Road on 23 October 2011.
It is alleged that Terry used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand, contrary to FA rules.
It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Anton Ferdinand.
This charge is the result of The FA’s long-standing enquiries into this matter, which were placed on hold pending the outcome of the criminal trial, and relates to rules governing football only.
During this period John Terry remains available to play for England.
Terry has until 3 August 2012 to respond.
The FA will make no further comment during this time. “
The timing by the FA here is interesting. They could have released this statement at anytime, but they waited until the opening say of the London Olympics. Nothing like trying to bury bad news!
But ultimately the FA, who stripped Terry of the England captaincy over this, want their pound of flesh. And it looks like they are determined to get it. With Terry admitting in court that he did call Ferdinand a F***ing B***k C**T in court, the only question left is how long will the FA ban him for? Will it be more or less than the eight games that Liverpool’s Luis Suarez got for racially abusing Man United’s Patrice Evra? Based on the FA’s actions so far, I will be very surprised if Terry gets less than 8 games.