Was the FA right to strip John Terry of the England captaincy?
YES – by Phil Boyce
The decision to adjourn John Terry’s court case until eight days after the Euro 2012 final largely forced the FA’s hand. Sticking with Terry until a trial and conclusive verdict was something the FA was prepared to do, especially after standing by Terry since the alleged incident.
However, having him lead the English team at Euro 2012 with such allegations still unresolved was, understandably, too much for the FA, especially with claims of his presence being “toxic” for the atmosphere of the England camp. Terry’s public position was simply untenable.
This stance obviously does not assume Terry’s guilt. Fabio Capello’s plea for “civil justice, not sports justice” for his former captain is an honourable sword for the Italian to fall upon.
However, the reputation of the English national side in 2012 is just as important to the FA. The FA’s actions avoid the media imagery of English football before the Olympics, where the first professional British football team will compete for decades as one dogged by ugly claims of racism from one of its leading representatives.
This is not the first time John Terry has brought the England captaincy into disrepute, and after a failed second-chance stint, the FA’s decision appears logical and correct.
NO – by Jonathan Barron
The idea that the leader of one of England’s most prized institutions might be capable of something so contrary to the values upheld by this country is a notion unpalatable to most of its citizens.
Terry maintains his innocence and has yet to stand trial, but inevitably, most people will have made up their minds long before a court reaches a verdict.
As a result, the premature reaction of the public and various well-meaning organisations put a lot of pressure on the FA, and was undoubtedly a factor in the ultimate decision. Although daunting, as a matter of principle the FA has every right to defend a man who has yet to be proven guilty, and should not be persecuted for doing so.
Defenders of the FA will say it is unrealistic to expect people to ignore criminal allegations and that, in an ideal world, everyone would presume ‘innocent until proven guilty’. In reality, such accusations will inevitably compromise John Terry’s ability to captain his country.
But this is a moot point; if this was a decision relating to the on-field performance of the England team, then surely this and all other decisions of this type are matters for the manager, and nothing to do with the team’s governing body; a view which has been reflected by Capello’s actions.