Capello hits back at FA’s John Terry decision

Fabio Capello was known to privately disagree with the FA’s decision to remove John Terry as England captain, following an allegation that he used racist language to QPR player Anton Ferdinand at in October.

But the £6m-a year-England manager spoke out publicly on Italian television on Sunday, saying how angry he was with the FA’s decision.

Asked whether he was in agreement with the decision on Terry, Mr Capello replied: “No, absolutely not.

“I have spoken to the chairman and I have said that, in my opinion, one cannot be punished until it’s official and the court – a non-sporting court, a civil court – has made a decision to decide if John Terry has done what he has been accused of. I thought it was right that Terry should keep the captain’s armband.”

He added: “The fact that the board has decided in this way is because it falls under the competence regarding ethics.”

The FA declined to comment on Capello’s comments.

Decision time
“The FA’s decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy means Fabio Capello faces his biggest decision so far.”
Read more from football commentator and author John Anderson

Terry, 31, lost the England captaincy in 2010 following allegations about his private life. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge of using racist language.

On Friday, FA Chairman David Bernstein told Terry that he would be stripped of his title for the second time and did not consult the £6m a year England manager.

Three months previously, Fabio Capello had been given full authority to deal with the situation and selected Terry as captain for the friendly win over Sweden.

Terry, 31, is free to play for England but not as captain. He stands trial in July, one week after the end of the Euro 2012 championships.

The 65-year-old Italian coach is expected at Wembley later, where he will speak with the FA’s Bernstein before heading to Anfield for Liverpool’s Premier League encounter with Tottenham.