England manager Fabio Capello has put in his papers months before the team travels to Poland and Ukraine for the 2012 European Championships. Capello quit as coach of the Three Lions following a discussion with FA Chief David Bernstein regarding the former’s comments on the John Terry issue. Terry was stripped of the England captaincy by the FA for his alleged role in abusing Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand. Capello however disagreed with the FA’s decision and told Italian broadcaster RAI that Terry should not have been removed as England as he was innocent until proven guilty
Capello had a fairly successful tenure as England coach, barring the Three Lions’ disastrous World Cup 2010 campaign where they were knocked out by Germany in the Round of 16.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is the favourite to take over the reins, with players and pundits unequivocally saying that the next coach has to be English.
Capello’s record as England manager
Played 42- Won 28, Drawn 8, Lost 6
England’s next international fixture is against the Netherlands on February 29.
Ever since Magna Carta, the English have prided themselves in the fairness of the country’s legal system; one of its fundamental tenets is the presumption of innocence. It is unfortunate, to say the least, that it takes an Italian football manager to remind of the fundamental importance of this principle.
Also, it is not a mere mantra, it is supposed to mean what it says. If it is to apply to Terry, then he is actually at present innocent, and should be treated as such. “You are innocent, but….” is not good enough.
Further, reference is constantly made to the seriousness of the offence he has committed, as though he was being charged with murder, rape or terrorism. Serious offences in this country are tried in the Crown Court, and conviction renders the offender liable to imprisonment. Terry’s alleged offence is triable in a Magistrates’ Court, which tries less serious offences, and, if convicted, he is only liable to a fine, not imprisonment.
Lastly, this matter serves to demonstrate the serial incompetence of the FA, who can be guaranteed to to mess up anything it touches. Terry’s captaincy should have been discussed at a meeting involving all parties, and a press conference called at which representatives of the FA, Capello and Terry should all have been present. Instead, they promulgate a bald announcement on a matter of fundamental importance, that calls into question Terry’s innocence, and undermines Capello’s authority. In short, it is the FA that should be in the dock, not Terry.
Iain MacMaster.
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