By Declan Warrington
December 24 – Chelsea have confirmed that they will not emulate Liverpool’s tribute to the forward Luis Suarez and will decline to wear T-shirts to support their captain, John Terry.
Members of Chelsea’s playing squad and staff had proposed the idea to back Terry, in the same way that Liverpool did for Suarez, after the defender was charged with alleged racist abuse towards Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand.
The club have decided, however, that it would be better to avoid risking the same criticism – as well as a potential contempt of court offence – Liverpool received after defending Suarez before Wednesday’s (December 21) Premier League fixture away to Wigan.
The Uruguayan had just received an eight-match ban for racially abusing the Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra.
A Chelsea spokesman said: “We were aware of the idea being discussed among some of the players and staff.
“The club fully supports John but did not think the wearing of T-shirts was an appropriate or helpful show of that support.”
Terry’s hearing will be at West London Magistrates Court on Febuary 1.
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