JT: An End To The Pantomime?

Posted on October 19th, 2012 by Chelsea D

Pretty much as we expected, John Terry announced yesterday he’s decided not to appeal the FA ban he was given. Not, as some have tried to claim, because he is suddenly admitting to making ‘racial insults’, but because he is taking the punishment imposed for “the use of abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour” which “included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race”.

Call me pedantic if you like but I would say JT was quite clear he’s still ‘not guilty’ of racism as determined by the court – and indeed the FA even acknowledged JT “is not a racist” – so I’m no more pedantic than those who continue to suggest otherwise.

Anyway, in his statement, the Chelsea captain says “After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment.  I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October.  Although I’m disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life. As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position.  My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again.  Looking forward, I will continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football.  I am extremely grateful for the consistent support of Chelsea FC, the fans and my family.”

And in spite of those out there holding on to the hope that the gallows may still be erected at some point – even by his own club – they’ll have been sorely disappointed by Chelsea’s decision not to bow to the pressure being put on to strip him of his captaincy. And the press will be even more disappointed that the club are standing by their policy to maintain confidentiality around disciplinary matters, saying only that he has been disciplined by the club and that the details of this won’t be released.

In a statement, the club added “John Terry has made the correct decision by not appealing against the FA judgment.  Chelsea also appreciates, and supports, John’s full apology for the language he used. The club firmly believes such language is not acceptable and fell below the standards expected of John as a Chelsea player.”

So, I’m sure we’ll hear no more about it eh?

Filed under: Current Players, Rants

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4 Responses to “JT: An End To The Pantomime?”

  1. Gary, on October 19th, 2012 at 11:10 Said:

    Why does the FA convict Terry on mere ‘probability’ when a proper court has found him not guilty? Why does the FA not rest with the findings of a proper court? I believe the answer is that the FA has an anti-racism agenda and they want to be seen as taking a stand. The evidence against Terry is so weak that only ‘probability’ could find him guilty. Terry must honestly believe he is not guilty or he would not go to the great lengths he has to clear his name. For a footballer to give up playing for his country to make his point is no small thing. For a national coach to resign over the FA’s treatment of Terry is also no small thing. I personally feel Terry has been used by the FA and that he felt to apologize was the only way to end the saga. I think the FA are the ones damaging football, not Terry.

  2. king buchi, on October 19th, 2012 at 11:30 Said:

    I think dt FA is killing england players and der premier leg game. Thy shuld call a spard a spard and not rasing and killing der heros. JT is a hero, captin and a legend in england and chelsea.

  3. Rushad Bachana, on October 19th, 2012 at 15:56 Said:

    Well said Gary, I saw your comment on Dailymail too and I agree with what you said. This entire thing is one PC attempt by the FA to show FIFA and UEFA how much they care for racism and all that bullshit. And Terry was an attractive target since most sports pundits and most fans of other clubs hate him anyway. So add 2 and 2 together, and throw in Ferdinands playing the victim and it becomes a nice recipe for racial abuse.

    If Terry was indeed a racist, he would not have been able to captain Chelsea for so many years. We were the first team in England to have so many black players in our team from all over the world. I still recall Geremi, Makelele, Gallas, Desailly, Wright Phillips and many more players playing for us since 2004 or before so JT would have been found out if he was racist.

    The video evidence clearly shows he is being sarcastic that – yeah fuckin black cunt ?? …damn you are a fucking knob head and yet the media have twisted this into a witch hunt. This will not stop as its proving. Now Jason Roberts and other no-gooders who want their two minutes of fame after being a pathetic footballer jump onto the bandwagon and the media are gladly lapping it up…

    I simply am tired of this bullshit. Terry will remain our captain and Im glad that Chelsea have not bowed to these idiots and taken any hasty decision. I rather have Terry as my captain than some thug like Gerrard or some granny shagging – club threatening whore like Wayne Rooney.

  4. Chelsea D, on October 20th, 2012 at 11:05 Said:

    spot on Gary, that’s been my take on this whole thing.