Capello: I have never seen or heard racism in English football
Published 23:00 05/11/11 By Steve Stammers
Fabio Capello last night declared: “Racist problems do not exist with the players.”
The England coach was explaining the retention of John Terry in the England squad for next Saturday’s friendly international against Spain.
The Chelsea and England captain is under investigation by both the police and the FA because of alleged racist comments to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.
But Capello met with the FA hierarchy including general secretary Alex Horne, Director of football Sir Trevor Brooking and chairman David Bernstein on Thursday and then went down to see Terry at Chelsea’s training ground to tell him he was in the squad for the friendly matches at Wembley against world champions Spain and then Sweden four days later.
Capello said: “I think he is innocent until proved guilty.
“I met John Terry and I spoke with him. I did tell him that he may not play against Spain because I need to see new players. He will play one half against Sweden.”
Capello is also confident that the presence of Terry will not be a distraction in the build-up to the matches.
“I don’t think it will,” said Capello. “You need to be focused on the games because they are really important.”
Capello added: “I have never seen or heard racism in English football.
“The fans may boo but never because of racism. ”
A potentially delicate situation has been avoided with the absence of Manchester United central defender Rio Ferdinand - the brother of Anton.
Capello spoke with Ferdinand at a tribute dinner to Sir Alex Ferguson last Thursday.
“He needs games and I told him he is not in the squad because he is not in a good moment of form. It is not an excuse to leave him out. He needs games, as Sir Alex said.”
Asked if the decision was connected with the Anton Ferdinand issue, he answered firmly: “No.”
Capello also talked with Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United star played in midfield against the Romanians of Otelul Galati and said: “He told me he had lots of touches when he played in midfield but he prefers to play nearer the box. I like him there as well !”
