Why the FA and police should take their time over both racism rows

By Steve Stammers

Published 14:58 02/11/11

• 

This is something they've got to get right.

The involvement of the police in the John Terry racism row has meant that the FA must now play a wait-and-see game concerning the Chelsea and England captain.

They have been accused of dragging their heels in the past but on this occasion you can only have sympathy with this country's governing body.

The problem now is with Fabio Capello and it will be fascinating to see how he reacts to the events of the last 10 days.

In many ways he is in a lose-lose situation.

John Terry, as we speak, is innocent.

He has been neither charged or found guilty of any crime. But Capello will be aware of the furore concerning the alleged spat with Anton Ferdinand and it's repercussions.

What should have been a squad designed to look at life without Wayne Rooney - currently banned from England's first three group games in the Euro finals - has now become a whole new issue.

If Capello picks Terry then he knows there will be a reaction from certain quarters of the Wembley crowd. Terry will also be the focal point of every media interview between now and the matches against Spain and Sweden.

If he leaves him out then he goes against natural justice for a player who takes genuine pride in representing and leading his country.

Good luck on that one Fabio!

But the FA have still to adjudicate on the Luis Suarez - Patrice Evra issue.

They can be forgiven for taking their time because the outcome is certain to make an impact on the career of both players – particularly Suarez if he's found guilty of making racists slurs to the Manchester United left-back.

Quite simply, it's a minefield and that is why both the Metropolitan Police and the Football Association cannot be rushed and cannot be hurried.

Careers are at stake and that is why patience really must be a virtue.

***

Talking of Terry, the Chelsea captain has become a cottage industry for lip readers in the last ten days. It was evident that he said something under his breath as Robin van Persie scored Arsenal’s fourth goal after Terry had slipped in pursuit of an ill-judged back pass from Florent Malouda.  I am going to give Terry the benefit of the doubt and guess that he said: “Flying Dutchman”.

***

The relief around the East End was palpable on Saturday evening. Because West Ham had held out against Leicester’s spirited comeback at Upton Park? No – the relief came because Sam Allardyce had opted not to sign the despicable El Hadj Diouf after what has been called “adverse public reaction” to the proposal. Great decision, Sam. Too early to go off-side with the local support.

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!