The trouble at the helm

John Terry has been stripped off the arm band by a quirky decision of the FA. JT is not new to controversies nor to disbanding. He was stripped off the England captaincy 2 years ago for a blemish in his personal life which became public and forced Fabio Capello to take the extreme step. The arm was handed over to Rio Ferdinand and ironically and as fate would have it, JT was involved in a racial slurr with none other than Rio's brother Anton Ferdinand. What a quirk of fate. Rio was again put on the spot for the transfer of the arm band. But under the circumstance he wisely refused it for different reasons although it would have made perfect sense and just for Rio to take over for his brother's sake and sake of the football and anti-racial public, eager to see a fair end to this deplorable incident.

What is also disappointing is the double standards practised by Fabio. By demoting JT over a personal incident, not related to the game, he seemed to place importance in players behaviour and character outside the football pitch but by making an U-turn and supporting JT over the incident which occurred on the pitch and with another player, he has taken a soft stand and supporting him by giving him the benefit of doubt stating that JT remains not guilty unless proven. He now faces the embarrassment of being ignored by the FA and having a decision forced upon him which I am sure he does not appreciate. What was Fabio thinking? The video replays seen all over the internet confirmed the racial ranting of JT atleast to the common person. Is Fabio going to blame his deference stand to his lack of knowledge of the English language?

The FA by taking this stance has redeemed it position as a controller of the game. Why did it take so long to come to this decision when the situation has not really changed. JT has still not been charged. Postponement of the trial seems to have forced the FA to act. Well, it is better late than never.

JT must answer the accusation and he will. He should also not be allowed to play until this happens. He is a terrific player but certainly not a role model for the common people. His status should not give him the license to behave as he likes both in his private and professional life. He should have been red-carded straight away, then perhaps everything would have moved faster and the division in the camp could have been avoided. As a football fan and Chelsea supported I would have been happier.