The John Terry trial and all the elements surrounding it has finally come to an end today, with the Chelsea captain being handed a four game domestic ban and a fine of £220,000.
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Of course Terry is not able to be subjected to an international fine, because he retired from international football at the beginning of the week, citing his position as ‘untenable’ in light of the FA’s determination to pursue charges.
The former England defender may never pull on the England football kit again, but it seems likely he will be able to play for Chelsea during a couple of important games in the next few weeks despite the ban.
There is an appeal time limit, meaning he will be available for the game against Arsenal this weekend. His time limit expires 14 days after he has received written reasons of why he has been found guilty, and if an appeal is lodged he will likely be available for games against Norwich, Tottenham Hostpur and, crucially, Manchester United. Either way, he’ll have plenty of footballs to kick around on the training pitch so his fitness won’t be a worry.
The decision has been welcomed by most, although questions have to be asked as to whether the FA hearing should have taken place after Terry was cleared of this offence in a court of law.
The main questions lie in the punishment itself. Last year Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches and fined just £40,000 for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, so why the reduction in games banned and the massive hike in fine? Although it’s good to see the FA pulling up their football socks on discrimination, which has been a hot topic of late.
Football’s bad boy himself Joey Barton has branded the punishment as a shambles, although that is a bit rich coming from Barton, who is currently serving a 12 match ban for violent conduct.
