• Euro 2012

Calls for 'toxic' Terry to be axed from England

John Terry will face court in July © PA Photos

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England boss Fabio Capello has been warned of a "toxic" dressing room if he includes skipper John Terry in the country's Euro 2012 squad.

Terry, it was announced on Wednesday, will not face trial for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand until after the championships in Poland and Ukraine. As a result, executive director of Football Against Racism, Piara Powar, says the Football Association must intervene and strip Terry of the captaincy.

"The seriousness of the allegations mean that he can't lead the nation," Powar said. "The FA must do the right thing.

"Innocent until proven guilty. But should John Terry remain as England captain through the Euros? I can't see how he can. To be captain means to be the leader. You have to take everyone with you. Removing the captaincy does not prejudice case."

Terry has maintained his innocence since the alleged incident took place at Loftus Road last October, pleading not guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence.

However, Reading striker and Kick It Out campaigner Jason Roberts publicly stated his desire to see Terry removed from the national team set-up altogether until after the trial is complete.

"Believe me, the dressing room at the Euros will be TOXIC unless the correct decision is made," Roberts said via Twitter. "I do not believe that the England captain should go to the Euros."

Roberts also drew a parallel with the FA's policy regarding Anton's brother Rio Ferdinand, who was removed from England duties before his hearing over a forgotten drugs test, and the Terry trial.

"Innocent until proven guilty is not always the case in football, as @rioferdy5 [Ferdinand] found out in his case," Roberts tweeted. "In many workplaces an allegation of certain behaviour is an immediate suspension."

Terry's case will be heard on July 9, with the Chelsea defender facing a maximum fine of £2,500 if convicted.

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