• Premier League

QPR owner backs Terry's right to remain captain

ESPN staff
November 4, 2011
Tony Fernandes believes John Terry should remain England captain © PA Photos
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QPR owner Tony Fernandes believes Chelsea defender John Terry should retain the England captaincy despite the ongoing controversy surrounding him.

Terry is currently at the centre of a storm after being accused of directing a racist insult at QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during last month's clash between the two sides.

Terry vehemently denies the allegations, and Fernandes - who has previously given Ferdinand his full backing - believes Terry should keep the national team armband unless the charge is proven.

"I think innocent until proven guilty," Fernandes told BBC Sport. "There's been no hard evidence either way of John's alleged statements. If he's the right man for the job then he should be selected as captain."

Fernandes has also cautioned against an over-reaction against Terry - believing one incident in high-pressure circumstances shouldn't necessarily see anyone branded as a racist.

"Lots of things can be said in the spur of the moment which don't make you really believe what you've said," he said.

"I don't think you can write someone off as a racist because of one statement."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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