John Terry Scandal Puts Spotlight on Racism in British Soccer
England national team captain John Terry was charged on Wednesday for racial abuse in a Premier League match in a landmark case that is said to be targeted at cracking down on racism.
Video evidence showing Terry allegedly using a racial slur and verbally abusing black footballer, Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand, in a match in October, was studied by prosecutors and will be used as evidence against him, The Associated Press reported.
Herman Ouseley, chairman of the Kick It Out campaign, which is aimed at tackling racism in soccer, described the move as "a very important point in the history of campaigning against racism in football.'' He added that for a long time, many black players had not felt the campaign had much of an effect, and had kept experiencing different levels of abuse in games, but now they are finally seeing something being done about it.
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''It's quite important that (players) now feel a bit more confident that, although it has taken a while, due process with decisive action could well make a change,'' Ouseley explained.
Terry has adamantly denied all charges, and said: ''I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends. I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence.''
The captain now faces a hearing at West London Magistrates' Court on Feb. 1, and will have a long battle ahead of him to clear his name. If he is found guilty as charged, it is likely it will have serious repercussions for his career. He might lose not only his captaincy, but his place in the England squad all together.
If that happens, England manager Fabio Capello would need to find a new captain and central defender when the big European Championship tournament kicks off next summer in Poland and Ukraine.
