• Premier League

Ferguson: Terry ban lenient

ESPN staff
September 28, 2012
John Terry was banned for four matches for his behaviour against QPR last October © PA Photos
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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes John Terry was fortunate to escape with a four-match ban after being found guilty of misconduct by the Football Association.

Terry was also fined £220,000 after he was found guilty of 'using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour', a charge stemming from an altercation with Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's Premier League game against QPR last season.

The Chelsea captain, who is awaiting the written findings from the four-day independent regulatory commission hearing, may decided to appeal, although Ferguson feels Terry should think twice before deciding to prolong the matter.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches after he was found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra last December, and Ferguson believes Terry got off lightly in comparison.

"There is a danger of it resurrecting itself because it has been going on so long,'' Ferguson said. "But the fact he got a four-game ban, he may consider that is quite lenient considering Luis Suarez got eight. It is time to move on and so should the game.''

Terry's retirement from the international scene opened the door for Anton's brother Rio to return to the England squad, but Ferguson does not expect the United defender to receive a recall.

"I wouldn't think he will get called up,'' Ferguson said. "Roy Hodgson made his decision before the European Championships and I can't see him changing that. It would be difficult for him now to go back to Rio Ferdinand and welcome him back.''

Ferdinand has stated in the past that he would never turn his back on England, even if privately he believed his international career was as good as over.

"You never know,'' Ferguson added. "But I think it's difficult. I don't know if Rio would do it - I haven't asked him.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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