Of John Terry, Racism And A Police Investigation

When the accusations of racial abuse against John Terry emerged shortly after the QPR farce, the initial reaction of most Chelsea supporters was; “you must be kidding?” Indeed, initially even the player making the accusation, Anton Ferdinand seemed unsure whether he had been abused or not, taking a full two days to figure it out (or ‘consult’ as the media kindly worded it).

Terry himself offered an immediate explanation, that he had been responding to Ferdinand’s own accusation that he had used a racist term by telling him; “I didn’t call you a black c**t.”

It seemed a clear case of misunderstanding which would soon be cleared up and, in the wake of Foygate, was probably not the most pressing matter that the FA should investigate.

Not so. While the performance (or lack of) of Chris Foy remains uninvestigated, the FA quickly launched into an investigation into Terry’s alleged racially abusive comment. JT himself welcomed the investigation as an opportunity to clear his name.

He has far more confidence in the FA than I do. After their ignoring of Foygate and ensuing silence over van Persie’s (apparent) nazi salute of last weekend it has appeared to many that the powers that be at Lancaster Gate have it in for us Blues. Right now, I wouldn’t have any confidence in them investigating a spat in a nursery, much less a serious (for that is what it is) allegation!

For whatever reason, John Terry seems to be one of the nation’s least favourite citizens (outside SW6 anyway) and the public, led by the media, have been quick to denounce the England skipper and to pronounce guilt.

I was therefore pleased to hear this morning’s news that the Metropolitan Police are investigating the matter and the FA’s inquiry will, as a result, be put on hold. This is good news for everyone concerned, an investigation by trained investigators not anti-Chelsea buffoons.

Now we must let the investigation take its course. I would hope that if JT is cleared there will be a flood of apologies, not least from Ferdinand, QPR and the media, plus an investigation into the false allegations. I won’t hold my breath though. But what if the pendulum of justice swings the other way? What if JT is guilty? I don’t really want to consider that as a possibility, I have met John Terry on a number of occasions and I like him. But….if that is the case then he should be heavily punished.

There should be no place in a civilised society for damaging false accusations or for racism.

Anton Fedinand, you know what you are. John Terry, you also know what you are. Innocent? Guilty? False accuser? Racist?

The rest of us are holding our breath while the Met find which is which!

KTBFFH