FA maintain Terry racism case will be independently regulated

Aug 16, 2012 12:04:00 AM

The governing body have acted to quell rising concern after Roy Hodgson revealed that he hoped that the Chelsea captain would be cleared of any offence at next week's trial

The Football Association have moved to assure anti-racism campaigners that the charge brought against John Terry will be subject to an independent regulatory process.

The former England captain was found not guilty of using racist language towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, during the Premier League clash between the two clubs last season, at a criminal trial in July. However, the Chelsea skipper now faces an FA charge of using offensive language and insulting behaviour.

England manager Roy Hodgson revealed on Wednesday that he hoped the case against Terry would not be proven, raising concern among a number of anti-racism campaign groups, and the FA have moved quickly to quell any suspicion of potential foul play during the hearing - which is scheduled to take place next week.

An FA statement read: "Further to comments from England nanager Roy Hodgson last night, The FA has reiterated that its regulatory processes are independent.

"The England manager, FA chairman or general secretary have no input into regulatory proceedings."

Hodgson’s comments were earlier branded “foolish” by the executive director of 'Football Against Racism', Piara Powar.

Power told reporters: "It is not helpful to the process the FA has undertaken in any way. The England manager is employed by the FA, who have a dual role in running the national team and being the governing body.

"Whatever support Roy Hodgson wants to give to a member of his squad, he also has to remember the FA's wider role. For the England coach to go public with his view like this calls into question that dual function."

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