Wilkins critical of FA over Terry decision

Former Chelsea player and assistant manager Ray Wilkins has been critical of the decision taken by the Football Association to strip John Terry of the England captaincy.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Wilkins was overly critical of the FA’s decision to remove the captaincy from Terry in light of the trial he is facing regarding alleged racial abuse of QPR player Anton Ferdinand.

Terry has entered a not guilty plea at the charge leveled against him and will stand trial in July.

Wilkins told Sky Sports:

“I don’t really think it should have happened if I’m perfectly honest. As far as I’m concerned, if you take the captaincy away then take the player away from the squad, because John will be a massive influence, whichever way he goes.”

“It is a massive blow for John. He is an extremely proud man and he will be absolutely devastated. I am saddened by the news, I have to say, because it is almost as if he has been proven guilty, and he hasn’t. I am disappointed for John, immensely.”

Whilst it is true that you are innocent until proven guilty, I have to say the FA have taken the right course of action in my view. The mere fact that Terry has been charged with a serious offence, is enough cause to warrant stripping him of the England captaincy. After all it is his alleged actions at least which have brought him into the public spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

The onus is on professional footballers who are looked up to by millions of children across the country, to carry themselves in such a way, so as they do not bring the game into disrepute.

Indeed perhaps Terry should have done the right thing himself and stood down of his own accord, rather than forcing the FA’s hand on the matter.

For once, in my opinion, the FA have acted in a fit and proper manner.

Of course if Terry is subsequently found not guilty of the charge, then by all means he should have the captaincy awarded back to him.

Posted by DaveS on February 3, 2012. Filed under Chelsea, FA Barclays Premiership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.