Why there should be no delay in this case

Chelsea’s John Terry is currently being urged to step down as England captain until the conclusion of his court case, which isn’t due to be heard until after the European Championships in the summer.

The defender will stand trial for allegedly racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand and Terry has pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Everyone seems to have a different opinion on whether or not he should step down as captain with good points being made by either side. Some argue that as Terry believes he is innocent until proven guilty then there is no reason for him to step down and that the FA cannot change their policy and imply guilt by stripping him of the captaincy.

However, should Terry captain England at the Euros this summer and subsequently found guilty, it will be hugely embarrassing for the FA and English football.

Now if he is guilty then he deserves the punishment he receives, I don’t think there’s anyone that is seriously disputing that, but what I have a problem with is that it is going to take so long for this case to be heard and I do not understand what the hold up is.

And I’m not the only one that thinks this situation helps no-one and a lot of trouble could be avoided if the case was heard a lot sooner, as Clive Efford, Labour’s shadow sports minister, said:

“The current uncertainty whilst John Terry’s case waits to be heard helps no one. It would be better for everybody, including John Terry, if the case was heard before Euro 2012 begins.

“Prejudice has no place in our society and the law of the land must apply beyond the touchlines of sports pitches, and so it is right that the case is heard properly and in full.

“But, if the FA and Capello feel that there is a danger that going into the championships with this matter unresolved could disrupt the England camp they should take the best course of action for English football.”

(source)