John Terry is strippped of England captaincy for duration of racism trial

THE Football Association have confirmed that John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy until after his racism court trial.

The decision was explained to the Chelsea defender and England manager Fabio Capello by FA chairman David Bernstein in phone calls this morning.

The FA said in a statement: “Following the decision to adjourn the court case against John Terry to July, the Football Association confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved.”

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Terry has been accused of racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand, a charge which he denies, during a match at Loftus Road in October last year. A spokesman for the player declined to comment this morning.

It is the second time the Chelsea captain has been stripped of the England armband having also lost it two years ago after allegations surrounding his private life came to light.

Capello did not take part in the discussions on the captaincy but will choose Terry’s successor and will be free to pick the Chelsea defender for England friendlies and Euro 2012.

The FA statement added: “The FA board expected the trial to be concluded prior to the European Championship. Further to Wednesday’s confirmation that the trial will not take place until after the tournament, the board has discussed the matter in detail and has collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties that John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed at this time.

“This decision has been taken due to the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament.

“The FA will be not be making any further comment on this matter.”