| Terry faces FA action despite court acquittal |
LONDON John Terry could yet face disciplinary action from the Football Association (FA) despite his acquittal on a racism charge, analysts said.
Chelsea captain Terry was found not guilty of racially abusing rival player Anton Ferdinand at the end of a five-day trial at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on Friday
But Simon Boyes, senior lecturer at Nottingham Law School, said the FA still had “wiggle room” to act against Terry and that, far from hindering them, a criminal trial could help their deliberations.
The trial related to an incident involving Terry and Queens Park Rangers defender Ferdinand during a Premier League match on October 23 last year.
Terry was stripped of the England captaincy in February over the allegations. As a consequence, Fabio Capello resigned as England manager, just months before England, defender Terry included, competed in the 2012 European Championships.
Meanwhile the FA put their own disciplinary process on hold so as not to prejudice the trial. But English football’s governing body reacted to the verdict by saying: “The FA notes the decision in the John Terry case and will now seek to conclude its own enquiries. The FA will make no further comment at this time.”
Boyes, author of the textbook Sports Law, said the FA needn’t be constrained by the court ruling.
“The FA have got quite a bit of wiggle room,” he said in a telephone call after the verdict had been announced.
“They have different charges - such as bringing the game into disrepute - which require a different standard of proof.
“It may well be the criminal trial is helpful to them as they can use the evidence from that,” Boyes added.
With the court ruling in Terry’s favour, many of his supporters believe that should be the end of the matter. But Boyes was not so sure.
“I would be surprised if there was no disciplinary action forthcoming. That’s not necessarily due to the racial element. There are other aspects the FA could look at, such as the manner of the players’ conduct.”
Agence France-Presse
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