Capello faces England rift over race row
Published 22:29 30/10/11 By Darren Lewis
Fabio Capello faces a split in the England camp over the John Terry race row. The Italian names his squad for the forthcoming friendlies against Spain and Sweden this weekend – but the FA investigation into the row is now unlikely to be concluded before the squad is named.
Some players are uneasy about the prospect of Terry leading the side after claims he called Anton Ferdinand a “f****** black ****”.
The England captain denies racism but Ferdinand is backed fully by brother Rio and mum Janice in demanding action.
Ferdinand, who featured in QPR’s 3-1 defeat to Spurs yesterday, will have his evidence formally submitted to the FA over the next 24 hours. The FA will also examine the evidence of John Terry – who gave his submission on Friday – and are revisiting TV footage as well as talking to other players.
They will then decide if there is a case to answer. If there is, both players would have a set period in which to respond. If the FA believe there are still grounds to press ahead, the players would appear before a three-man panel consisting of an FA board member, a football expert and a chairman.
Ferdinand had another torrid afternoon yesterday, seven days after his controversial confrontation with Terry, with Scott Parker driving Spurs to victory.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted his side were braced for a QPR fightback when it “all kicked off” in the visitors’ dressing room at the interval.
He said: “First half we were fantastic, the way we shifted the ball about and our movement was great, but it’s always difficult when you come in 2-0 up and you know it should be four or five.
“But you could hear they were arguing and all sorts going on in the away dressing room at half-time.
“It was all kicking off, and I knew they were going to have a go at us in the second half for sure, and to be fair they lifted it.
“Suddenly it’s a dangerous situation when it’s only 2-1 and you think it should be all over, but Gareth Bale came back to finish them off with a great finish.”
Tottenham, fifth in the table, have now taken 19 points from the last 21.
