New twist increases pressure on Terry
Published 00:27 27/10/11 By Darren Lewis
The John Terry race row is set to take an explosive new twist as it emerged that up to three players have given statements backing Anton Ferdinand.
It is also understood that Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is supporting his younger brother - with both refusing to accept offers from Terry to discuss the matter.
The players' mum Janice is believed to have been left deeply upset by the footage in which Terry appears to direct the words "f****** black c***" in her son's direction.
She is understood to have seen the YouTube clip on Sunday night, when Anton had been alerted to its existence.
Terry had claimed he was trying to clarify that he had NOT used the slur as an insult aimed at QPR defender Ferdinand.
But Clint Hill, the Rangers PFA representative, has been joined by Paddy Kenny and Shaun Derry in insisting – as Mirror Sport revealed – that Ferdinand had not made such an allegation in the first place.
QPR this morning denied that the players had spoken to the FA.
A club statement released this morning said: "There is no truth in these stories whatsoever.
"None of the three players have been called to give evidence or will be called to give evidence."
But MirrorFootball understands the trio ARE supporting Ferdinand and although they have not been called to give evidence to the FA, they have spoken to the club about the incident.
Terry continues to categorically deny claims of racism and maintain that he welcomes the FA inquiry.
But evidence is now appearing to pile up against him refuting the version of events he put forward in his swift statement on Sunday night.
The refusal of the Ferdinand brothers to speak to him suggests they have no interest in backing him up.
And that could spell big trouble for England boss Fabio Capello with the prestige friendly against Spain coming up on November 12.
Capello stripped Terry of the captaincy over allegations that he had a relationship with the former partner of ex-Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge, handing the armband to Ferdinand snr.
The Italian then reversed that decision earlier this year.
But Terry, as England captain, going into the Spain game could prove a PR disaster for the FA with the entire build-up set to centre around the racism allegations.
Former England striker Les Ferdinand, cousin of Anton, believes Terry should not be allowed to play for England again if found guilty.
The Spurs coach insists punishments for footballers in similar cases have been “paltry” recently and the FA “need to make a statement” if Terry is found guilty.
Les Ferdinand said: “It’s down to the FA, but I’d be shouting from the rooftops [for that if he’s found guilty].”
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