By Andrew Warshaw
February 5 – Former Football Association chairman Lord Triesman (pictured) has backed the decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy over racism allegations levelled against him.
As debate rages into the rights and wrongs of the captaincy being removed from Terry while he awaits a July trial after denying a charge of racial abuse, Triesman said there was no way the Chelsea defender could have led his country out at the European Championships this summer.
“I think the decision was inevitable and I’m very pleased and a bit relieved David Bernstein [the FA chairman] has taken that decision,” Triesman said.
Triesman, who resigned as FA chairman in May 2010, said the innocent until proved guilty argument did not necessarily stand up.
He cited the example of British MP Chris Huhne, who resigned as Energy Secretary on Friday (February 3) after learning he faces a charge of perverting the course of justice over a 2003 speeding case, a claim Huhne denies.
“I sometimes think football is in a bit of a bubble and the things that happen in the rest of the world don’t apply to football,” Triesman told BBC Radio’s Sportsweek programme.
“Well, I’m afraid they do.
“If someone is charged with what is a significant criminal offence, I think that is probably the moment that almost every organisation would act.
“Although there has not been a hearing and not been a verdict, the FA itself has to look after the interests of football more widely.
“We’ve got to the point where there is not just potential disruption in the dressing room, but a significant charge that is going to be heard in court.
“The distinguishing thing about John Terry’s position is that he’s England captain.
“With that honour comes a very large responsibility and so, in these circumstances, the one thing the FA couldn’t have continued with was John Terry as captain.”
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