Chelsea’s John Terry Is Innocent: Daily Mail And Stan Collymore See what They Want To See On YouTube
DON’T we all hope that Chelsea captain John Terry is innocent of racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand? Racism is a issue bigger than football’s tribalism. Other than a YouTube video we’ve seen no further evidence to support the case for Terry’s guilt.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has defended his captain. Better, perhaps, had the excitable Portuguese manager left the FA to conduct their inquires, as QPR’s Neil Warnock has, and backed his man in private. Villas-Boas opined:
“All of the players have been quiet about it because we know what happened. Nothing happened, so there is nothing to discuss.”
Villas-Boas has given the usually sensible Stan Collymore the chance to opine in The People:
In 20 years’ time, I just hope the attitude of Villas-Boas is considered as Neanderthal and offensive as hurling a banana at a black footballer would be today.
Collymore has lost the thread. Villas-Boas is sticking to the facts. He is making a judgement based on what he has seen. Collymore would be wise to do the same.
As would the Daily Mail, which having excused racism as no big deal continues his pursue Terry with the headline:
“Anton gets his message across…”
The headline hangs beside a photo of Anton Ferdinand wearing a T-shirt on which is written One Game Community.
The Mail should note that John Terry has also worn T-shirts calling for racism to be kicked out of the game.
It proves nothing. Just as Terry’s past misunderstandings prove nothing. The Mail’s back page headline is just the paper’s latest snide attempt to form the impression that there is more to the story than a YouTube video that offers neither context nor the full picture.
You may have seen Ferdinand’s apparent double-elbow foul on Terry that preceded the confrontation? You may have seen Terry’s kick aimed at Ferdinand (if you have either view, please send them in). The story is being told in bits and pieces. But until the parts are pulled together, Terry’s innocence must be presumed and hoped for…
Posted: 31st, October 2011 | In: Key Posts, Sports Comments (10) | TrackBack | Permalink
