LONDON — Kevin Pietersen will be slowly reintegrated into the England side after the brilliant but controversial batsman settled his drawn-out rift with team management, earning him a short-term central contract.Pietersen has been out of favor with England since being dropped for sending provocative phone messages to South Africa players about then-test captain Andrew Strauss in August, disrupting the unity of the team and leaving him an outcast.But after lengthy talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board, Pietersen will undertake a program of reintegration after which selectors "will consider Kevin for future matches," effectively putting him on probation."It's been a horrible situation for all involved but thankfully we have drawn a line under it," the 32-year-old Pietersen said at a news conference in Colombo on Wednesday. "Playing cricket for England is the pinnacle of any cricketer's career, and I want an opportunity to do that again as soon as possible."
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Showing posts with label England. Show all posts
Friday, October 5, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
England thrashes Afghanistan in World Twenty20
COLOMBO — Luke Wright hammered an unbeaten 99 to steer defending champion England to a crushing 116-run win over Afghanistan in their World Twenty20 match on Friday.
England expects: England's Alex Hales plays a shot against Afghanistan at the World Twenty20 in Colombo on Friday. AFP-JIJIEngland made a formidable 196 for five in its 20 overs after being sent in to bat, and then bowled out Afghanistan for 80 in the 18th over at R. Premadasa Stadium. Wright and Alex Hales joined in a 69-run stand, and Wright shared 72 runs with Eoin Morgan.The game ended Afghanistan's short campaign in the tournament after losing to India by 23 runs in its first Group A match on Wednesday.Wright said that England knew the Afghans were a dangerous team after watching their spirited effort against India on television. But he added: "The way we came back and bowled them out was a superb effort."Wright played down any frustration at missing out on England's first Twenty20 century by a single run."I was just tired by the end, I was just happy to keep the ball going," he said. "The most important thing was that we got a big total. I think the scoreboard pressure really had big importance going into bowling."Afghanistan seam bowler Shapoor Zadran, who gave his team an ideal start with a wicket maiden against England and also picked up two early wickets against India, asked fans not to get too downcast."My message would be not to get too disappointed," he said. "That was our tough day in the field, we have learned a lot and hopefully we can come up with good results."The Afghans were eight down for 26 at one stage and facing the prospect of being bowled out for the lowest Twenty20 international score — worse than Kenya's tally against Ireland in 2008. However, they avoided that prospect thanks to late resistance from Gulbodin Naib, who made 44.Seam bowler Steven Finn picked up the first wicket for England with Afghanistan's total on two and the rest followed on a regular basis, thwarting any chance of a recovery.Left-arm spinner Samit Patel returned the best figures for England with 2-6 with three other bowlers, captain Stuart Broad, Jade Dernbach and Graeme Swann also picking up two wickets each.Naib hit three sixes and five boundaries in his 35-ball innings as the other batsmen failed to reach double figures.PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka — Brendon McCullum's superb record-setting century led New Zealand to a thumping 59-run win over Bangladesh in the World Twenty20 on Friday.McCullum pummelled 123 off 58 balls and hammered 11 fours and seven sixes in a strong Kiwi total of 191-3.Nasir Hossain played a lone fight and scored 50 off 39 balls as Bangladesh settled for 132-8 with Tim Southee (3-16) and Kyle Mills (3-33) doing the damage.McCullum was dropped by Mashrafe bin Mortaza on 92 but in the same over he hit left-arm spinner Elias Sunny for two successive boundaries and raised his century off 51 balls, the second-fastest ever.McCullum became the first man to score two T20 centuries — and the highest ever — before he holed out in the deep off the last ball of the innings. His previous best T20 knock came against Australia at Christchurch in 2010 when he remained unbeaten on 116.Bangladesh bowlers had no answer to McCullum's brilliance as he ruthlessly smashed seamers and spinners after New Zealand was asked to bat at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium."Some days it comes off, some days it doesn't, you've got to be prepared to take risks," McCullum said. "In this game you've got to keep trying, and when it comes off it helps the team."
England expects: England's Alex Hales plays a shot against Afghanistan at the World Twenty20 in Colombo on Friday. AFP-JIJIEngland made a formidable 196 for five in its 20 overs after being sent in to bat, and then bowled out Afghanistan for 80 in the 18th over at R. Premadasa Stadium. Wright and Alex Hales joined in a 69-run stand, and Wright shared 72 runs with Eoin Morgan.The game ended Afghanistan's short campaign in the tournament after losing to India by 23 runs in its first Group A match on Wednesday.Wright said that England knew the Afghans were a dangerous team after watching their spirited effort against India on television. But he added: "The way we came back and bowled them out was a superb effort."Wright played down any frustration at missing out on England's first Twenty20 century by a single run."I was just tired by the end, I was just happy to keep the ball going," he said. "The most important thing was that we got a big total. I think the scoreboard pressure really had big importance going into bowling."Afghanistan seam bowler Shapoor Zadran, who gave his team an ideal start with a wicket maiden against England and also picked up two early wickets against India, asked fans not to get too downcast."My message would be not to get too disappointed," he said. "That was our tough day in the field, we have learned a lot and hopefully we can come up with good results."The Afghans were eight down for 26 at one stage and facing the prospect of being bowled out for the lowest Twenty20 international score — worse than Kenya's tally against Ireland in 2008. However, they avoided that prospect thanks to late resistance from Gulbodin Naib, who made 44.Seam bowler Steven Finn picked up the first wicket for England with Afghanistan's total on two and the rest followed on a regular basis, thwarting any chance of a recovery.Left-arm spinner Samit Patel returned the best figures for England with 2-6 with three other bowlers, captain Stuart Broad, Jade Dernbach and Graeme Swann also picking up two wickets each.Naib hit three sixes and five boundaries in his 35-ball innings as the other batsmen failed to reach double figures.PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka — Brendon McCullum's superb record-setting century led New Zealand to a thumping 59-run win over Bangladesh in the World Twenty20 on Friday.McCullum pummelled 123 off 58 balls and hammered 11 fours and seven sixes in a strong Kiwi total of 191-3.Nasir Hossain played a lone fight and scored 50 off 39 balls as Bangladesh settled for 132-8 with Tim Southee (3-16) and Kyle Mills (3-33) doing the damage.McCullum was dropped by Mashrafe bin Mortaza on 92 but in the same over he hit left-arm spinner Elias Sunny for two successive boundaries and raised his century off 51 balls, the second-fastest ever.McCullum became the first man to score two T20 centuries — and the highest ever — before he holed out in the deep off the last ball of the innings. His previous best T20 knock came against Australia at Christchurch in 2010 when he remained unbeaten on 116.Bangladesh bowlers had no answer to McCullum's brilliance as he ruthlessly smashed seamers and spinners after New Zealand was asked to bat at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium."Some days it comes off, some days it doesn't, you've got to be prepared to take risks," McCullum said. "In this game you've got to keep trying, and when it comes off it helps the team."Thursday, June 21, 2012
Rooney, England score controversial victory
DONETSK, Ukraine — Only one goal counted, and it belonged to Wayne Rooney.
JT saves the day: England defender John Terry clears the ball during England's Euro 2012 match against Ukraine on Tuesday. AFP-JIJIThe England striker returned from a two-match suspension to head in the lone goal Tuesday and give his team a 1-0 win over Ukraine and a spot in the European Championship quarterfinals against Italy on Sunday. The cohost Ukrainians, however, will leave the tournament knowing that things could have been different.Needing a win to advance, the Ukrainians thought they had tied it the 62nd minute when Marko Devic's deflected shot appeared to loop over the line before it was hooked clear by England defender John Terry. But the goal was not awarded by the referee or his extra assistant, who was half-standing on the field only a few meters from the post."The goal that wasn't given really changed our plan because if it was given, I think the whole game could have looked another way," Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko said through an interpreter. "We tried to give Ukraine a gift but we weren't able to do it."Although a draw still would have eliminated them, the equalizer would have given the team hope knowing that another goal would put Ukraine through to the quarterfinals."I was sad because the ball was in the goal by one meter," Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin said.The controversy will likely add to the pressure on UEFA President Michel Platini to reverse his opposition to goal-line technology.At the 2010 World Cup, England midfielder Frank Lampard was denied a goal that would have leveled the match against Germany at 2-2. England ended up losing 4-1."To be successful you need a bit of luck," England captain Steven Gerrard said. "Two years ago we were unlucky with Frank Lampard and we had to pack our bags."It was Rooney, however, who did manage to put his team on the scoreboard on Tuesday.Gerrard whipped a cross into the penalty area that glanced off two defenders before Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov let it slip through his hands as he crouched to collect the ball. Rooney was at the far post and made it count."I was always putting myself in goalscoring opportunities," Rooney said. "I could've done better with a couple more but I got the goal and it's three points."Rooney missed the first two Euro 2012 matches through suspension. He was sent off in the team's last qualifier in October, and received a three-match suspension that was eventually reduced to two.The goal was Rooney's first at a major tournament since scoring four at Euro 2004 as an 18-year-old rising star. He failed to find the net at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, while England failed to even qualify for Euro 2008.KIEV — France was outplayed, outfought and outscored, and that was against a team with nothing to play for.With world champion Spain now waiting in the quarterfinals of the European Championship, things better improve quickly for the French to stand a chance of going any further.France limped into the knockout round of Euro 2012 despite a 2-0 loss to Sweden in their final Group D game, showing just how much the team still needs to improve to be true contenders in the tournament. The French finished second in Group D.France will face Spain on Saturday in the quarterfinals."You have to be optimistic to think that we can beat Spain, but it's hard right now to imagine that we can. We have to do better on Saturday," France coach Laurent Blanc said. "We wanted to finish top of the group but couldn't manage it, so we have to deal with that."
JT saves the day: England defender John Terry clears the ball during England's Euro 2012 match against Ukraine on Tuesday. AFP-JIJIThe England striker returned from a two-match suspension to head in the lone goal Tuesday and give his team a 1-0 win over Ukraine and a spot in the European Championship quarterfinals against Italy on Sunday. The cohost Ukrainians, however, will leave the tournament knowing that things could have been different.Needing a win to advance, the Ukrainians thought they had tied it the 62nd minute when Marko Devic's deflected shot appeared to loop over the line before it was hooked clear by England defender John Terry. But the goal was not awarded by the referee or his extra assistant, who was half-standing on the field only a few meters from the post."The goal that wasn't given really changed our plan because if it was given, I think the whole game could have looked another way," Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko said through an interpreter. "We tried to give Ukraine a gift but we weren't able to do it."Although a draw still would have eliminated them, the equalizer would have given the team hope knowing that another goal would put Ukraine through to the quarterfinals."I was sad because the ball was in the goal by one meter," Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin said.The controversy will likely add to the pressure on UEFA President Michel Platini to reverse his opposition to goal-line technology.At the 2010 World Cup, England midfielder Frank Lampard was denied a goal that would have leveled the match against Germany at 2-2. England ended up losing 4-1."To be successful you need a bit of luck," England captain Steven Gerrard said. "Two years ago we were unlucky with Frank Lampard and we had to pack our bags."It was Rooney, however, who did manage to put his team on the scoreboard on Tuesday.Gerrard whipped a cross into the penalty area that glanced off two defenders before Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov let it slip through his hands as he crouched to collect the ball. Rooney was at the far post and made it count."I was always putting myself in goalscoring opportunities," Rooney said. "I could've done better with a couple more but I got the goal and it's three points."Rooney missed the first two Euro 2012 matches through suspension. He was sent off in the team's last qualifier in October, and received a three-match suspension that was eventually reduced to two.The goal was Rooney's first at a major tournament since scoring four at Euro 2004 as an 18-year-old rising star. He failed to find the net at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, while England failed to even qualify for Euro 2008.KIEV — France was outplayed, outfought and outscored, and that was against a team with nothing to play for.With world champion Spain now waiting in the quarterfinals of the European Championship, things better improve quickly for the French to stand a chance of going any further.France limped into the knockout round of Euro 2012 despite a 2-0 loss to Sweden in their final Group D game, showing just how much the team still needs to improve to be true contenders in the tournament. The French finished second in Group D.France will face Spain on Saturday in the quarterfinals."You have to be optimistic to think that we can beat Spain, but it's hard right now to imagine that we can. We have to do better on Saturday," France coach Laurent Blanc said. "We wanted to finish top of the group but couldn't manage it, so we have to deal with that."Tuesday, May 1, 2012
England approaches Hodgson for vacancy
LONDON — Roy Hodgson was unexpectedly approached about filling the England coaching vacancy on Sunday, with the well-traveled West Bromwich Albion manager opening talks about the job barely a month before Euro 2012 begins.
Surprise, surprise: The Football Association has approached Roy Hodgson about becoming the next England manager. AFP-JIJIThe Football Association has overlooked Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who had been considered the favorite by the bookmakers and fans for the job since Fabio Capello quit in February.Instead, a four-man F.A. committee has identified the 64-year-old Hodgson, who has coached in seven countries and led three national teams, as the man to take one of the most high-profile jobs in world sport.The F.A. was granted permission on Sunday by West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace to speak with Hodgson."Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out soon after Fabio Capello's departure," F.A. chairman David Bernstein said in a statement. "Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my Club England colleagues before any further announcements can be made."The F.A. is unlikely to have to pay West Brom compensation to hire Hodgson, since his club contract expires on June 30.West Brom said on its website that Hodgson has "expressed a desire to explore this opportunity" with England."Roy is a proud Englishman and we can understand why he wants to speak to the F.A. about this highly prestigious managerial position," Peace said. "However, we have emphasized to Roy how much we would like him to remain as our head coach and continue his major contribution to our project at The Hawthorns."Hodgson said in March that while his career ambitions had been "fulfilled many years ago," he would embrace the England job if the opportunity arose."It is the pinnacle of success in a way and certainly a pinnacle of coaching success if ever you're invited to manage your own country," Hodgson told Talk Sport radio. "I've managed other countries but I've never been invited to manage my own. It would be an honor but I don't have it set out as an ambition as such."Former England striker Alan Smith said he was "staggered" that Hodgson had been approached by the F.A."We all thought Harry Redknapp would get the nod," Smith told Sky Sports News television.In a 36-year coaching career, Hodgson has had spells in England, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Italy, where he was twice in charge of Inter Milan.Hodgson has also coached Finland, the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland, and acted as a technical adviser to UEFA, European football's governing body."His experience is second to none which I think is fantastic . . . he has so much knowledge about football — football is his life," former England defender Kenny Sansom told Sky TV. "He has everything to offer, I really do, he is a very calm guy. He doesn't get too excited."England's Euro 2012 opener is against France on June 11 before completing the group stage against Sweden and co-host Ukraine.
Surprise, surprise: The Football Association has approached Roy Hodgson about becoming the next England manager. AFP-JIJIThe Football Association has overlooked Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp, who had been considered the favorite by the bookmakers and fans for the job since Fabio Capello quit in February.Instead, a four-man F.A. committee has identified the 64-year-old Hodgson, who has coached in seven countries and led three national teams, as the man to take one of the most high-profile jobs in world sport.The F.A. was granted permission on Sunday by West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace to speak with Hodgson."Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set out soon after Fabio Capello's departure," F.A. chairman David Bernstein said in a statement. "Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my Club England colleagues before any further announcements can be made."The F.A. is unlikely to have to pay West Brom compensation to hire Hodgson, since his club contract expires on June 30.West Brom said on its website that Hodgson has "expressed a desire to explore this opportunity" with England."Roy is a proud Englishman and we can understand why he wants to speak to the F.A. about this highly prestigious managerial position," Peace said. "However, we have emphasized to Roy how much we would like him to remain as our head coach and continue his major contribution to our project at The Hawthorns."Hodgson said in March that while his career ambitions had been "fulfilled many years ago," he would embrace the England job if the opportunity arose."It is the pinnacle of success in a way and certainly a pinnacle of coaching success if ever you're invited to manage your own country," Hodgson told Talk Sport radio. "I've managed other countries but I've never been invited to manage my own. It would be an honor but I don't have it set out as an ambition as such."Former England striker Alan Smith said he was "staggered" that Hodgson had been approached by the F.A."We all thought Harry Redknapp would get the nod," Smith told Sky Sports News television.In a 36-year coaching career, Hodgson has had spells in England, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Italy, where he was twice in charge of Inter Milan.Hodgson has also coached Finland, the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland, and acted as a technical adviser to UEFA, European football's governing body."His experience is second to none which I think is fantastic . . . he has so much knowledge about football — football is his life," former England defender Kenny Sansom told Sky TV. "He has everything to offer, I really do, he is a very calm guy. He doesn't get too excited."England's Euro 2012 opener is against France on June 11 before completing the group stage against Sweden and co-host Ukraine.Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Pakistan whitewashes England
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Pakistan recorded its first ever clean sweep against England with an emphatic 71-run victory in the third and final test on Monday.England — chasing an imposing 324-run target — was dismissed for 252 on the fourth day with fast bowler Umar Gul grabbing 4-61 and offspinner Saeed Ajmal 4-67.Matt Prior delayed the inevitable with an unbeaten 49 off 58 balls before he ran out of partners.Pakistan won the first test by 10 wickets and the second by 72 runs when it bowled out England for 72 while chasing 145 runs.The whitewash has now put England in danger of losing the ICC's jackpot of $175,000 which is awarded to the top test team until the Apr. 1 cutoff date every year — if South Africa beats New Zealand 3-0 in March.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Pakistan's Ajmal dominates England
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Pakistan offspinner Saeed Ajmal was in mesmerizing form on Tuesday, taking career-best figures of 7-55 as England was bowled out for 192 before his team's openers reached 42-0 at stumps on the first day of the first test.Ajmal won five lbw decisions after England won the toss and elected to bat first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with Matt Prior's gritty knock of 70 to rescue his top-ranked team from a precarious 94-7 the sole innings of substance."It's just a reminder that subcontinental cricket is slightly more attritional. You have to play longer," Prior said after facing 154 balls and hitting just three boundaries."The batters will have to hold their hands up and say, 'We didn't get it quite right today.' We know we have got the bowlers to bring us back in the game."Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez (22) and Taufeeq Umar (18) saw off 15 overs in the last hour of the day without too many problems in facing England's three seamers or lone spinner Graeme Swann.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Terry's future with England in doubt
LONDON — The season of goodwill? I don't think so. Happy New Year? I doubt it.
In the coming weeks John Terry, the England captain and Harry Redknapp, the England manager-elect, will both appear in court, Terry charged with a racism offense and Redknapp with tax evasion. Both have denied the charges but there could hardly be a more embarrassing end of 2011 for the Football Association.On Tuesday, Liverpool's Luis Suarez was found guilty by the F.A. of misconduct . . . using insulting words, including a reference to the color of Manchester United's Patrice Evra. The Uruguayan was handed an eight-game suspension and a ?40,000 fine, pending appeal.The following day the Crown Prosecution Service announced Chelsea and England captain Terry will appear at a magistrates' court on Feb. 1 charged with using racist language toward Anton Ferdinand of Queens Park Rangers on Oct. 23.While the rest of the world seems to regard racism as a minor irritant, England should be applauded in adopting a zero-tolerance stance. The F.A. may get many things wrong but not this.There has to be a presumption of innocence until proven guilty but even if acquitted it is impossible to imagine Terry playing alongside Rio Ferdinand, Anton's brother, for England as he has many times. The F.A. has been handed the hottest of potatoes: if, as seems likely, Terry's court appearance is delayed, should a player accused of racism lead his country against the Netherlands on Feb. 29?The F.A.'s main sponsors will feel uneasy about someone, albeit an innocent person but one charged with alleged racism, effectively promoting their products. Terry's previous indiscretions have reduced his number of sympathizers significantly and most of the country would be unhappy with someone accused of racially abusing an opponent wearing the captain's armband and singing the national anthem. Innocent, yes, but Terry should be taken out of the England spotlight until his trial has reached a conclusion.It is a decision the F.A. rather than Fabio Capello should make though the only comment the governing body has made is "no comment." Terry's career, certainly at the international level, is on the line because if he is found guilty of racially abusing an opponent he cannot lead an England team containing several black players. Even playing for his country again would send out the wrong message. Should Terry be convicted in law, an F.A. charge would then be inevitable with a similar punishment to that handed to Suarez if found guilty.Every touch by Suarez, at Wigan and Terry, at Tottenham, this week was booed by opposing fans. It will continue and though there was an ounce of understanding for Suarez it has been buried in the crass reaction of Liverpool. When Suarez was charged they immediately backed him without any internal inquiry; when found guilty Liverpool claimed the F.A. was "determined to bring charges even before interviewing him," and was "pre-judging" the Uruguayan when the club has done precisely that.The same applies to Chelsea with Terry but for Andre Villas-Boas to offer unswerving support "whatever the outcome . . . I will support him even if he is found guilty," will be seen as condoning racism. You cannot defend the indefensible but of course with so much self-interest that is what clubs do. Clubs also back players who break opponents' legs, abuse referees, dive to obtain penalties and exaggerate pain level to get a member of the opposition sent off. If a player is one of theirs, blind loyalty is the order of the day.Both Liverpool and Chelsea should have waited until they had studied the evidence that saw an independent F.A. regulatory commission find Suarez guilty and the CPS to charge Terry rather than assume innocence or in Liverpool's case also be in denial. Suarez was found guilty of making a racist comment and banned for eight games — at Wigan his teammates wore T-shirts in support.In whichever context Suarez believed he was using "negrito" — I have a friend whose white Colombian wife is known as Negra because of her jet-black hair — it still breaches F.A. regulations relating to a person's color. I can accept in his mind he probably didn't use it as an out-and- out racist term but Suarez should be experienced enough to realize that what is accepted in South America is not accepted in England. Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law.* * *DAVID MOYES, the Everton manager, left the Blackburn vs. Bolton game at halftime because he was so disgusted with the abuse the home fans were giving Steve Kean.I cannot remember such vitriol being directed at a manager as Kean is enduring. Emotion is one thing but when this borders on hatred it is utterly unacceptable.In no other profession does anyone turn up for work and see his name with the word "out" next to it on banners, with thousands chanting for him to be sacked. Kean has conducted himself with professionalism and restraint but the lame-duck manager is not the real villain in the demise of Blackburn.Venky's, the club's India-based owners, have ripped the heart from the club that is the cornerstone of the local community, the lifeblood of many in the Lancashire town. Just over a year ago, they sacked Sam Allardyce, a respected manager with a record of success, and replaced him with the untried Kean, who they have left to be hung out to dry. If Venky's had tried to ruin a club, it is unlikely they could have done better — or worse.Christopher Davies was a longtime Premier League correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph.
In the coming weeks John Terry, the England captain and Harry Redknapp, the England manager-elect, will both appear in court, Terry charged with a racism offense and Redknapp with tax evasion. Both have denied the charges but there could hardly be a more embarrassing end of 2011 for the Football Association.On Tuesday, Liverpool's Luis Suarez was found guilty by the F.A. of misconduct . . . using insulting words, including a reference to the color of Manchester United's Patrice Evra. The Uruguayan was handed an eight-game suspension and a ?40,000 fine, pending appeal.The following day the Crown Prosecution Service announced Chelsea and England captain Terry will appear at a magistrates' court on Feb. 1 charged with using racist language toward Anton Ferdinand of Queens Park Rangers on Oct. 23.While the rest of the world seems to regard racism as a minor irritant, England should be applauded in adopting a zero-tolerance stance. The F.A. may get many things wrong but not this.There has to be a presumption of innocence until proven guilty but even if acquitted it is impossible to imagine Terry playing alongside Rio Ferdinand, Anton's brother, for England as he has many times. The F.A. has been handed the hottest of potatoes: if, as seems likely, Terry's court appearance is delayed, should a player accused of racism lead his country against the Netherlands on Feb. 29?The F.A.'s main sponsors will feel uneasy about someone, albeit an innocent person but one charged with alleged racism, effectively promoting their products. Terry's previous indiscretions have reduced his number of sympathizers significantly and most of the country would be unhappy with someone accused of racially abusing an opponent wearing the captain's armband and singing the national anthem. Innocent, yes, but Terry should be taken out of the England spotlight until his trial has reached a conclusion.It is a decision the F.A. rather than Fabio Capello should make though the only comment the governing body has made is "no comment." Terry's career, certainly at the international level, is on the line because if he is found guilty of racially abusing an opponent he cannot lead an England team containing several black players. Even playing for his country again would send out the wrong message. Should Terry be convicted in law, an F.A. charge would then be inevitable with a similar punishment to that handed to Suarez if found guilty.Every touch by Suarez, at Wigan and Terry, at Tottenham, this week was booed by opposing fans. It will continue and though there was an ounce of understanding for Suarez it has been buried in the crass reaction of Liverpool. When Suarez was charged they immediately backed him without any internal inquiry; when found guilty Liverpool claimed the F.A. was "determined to bring charges even before interviewing him," and was "pre-judging" the Uruguayan when the club has done precisely that.The same applies to Chelsea with Terry but for Andre Villas-Boas to offer unswerving support "whatever the outcome . . . I will support him even if he is found guilty," will be seen as condoning racism. You cannot defend the indefensible but of course with so much self-interest that is what clubs do. Clubs also back players who break opponents' legs, abuse referees, dive to obtain penalties and exaggerate pain level to get a member of the opposition sent off. If a player is one of theirs, blind loyalty is the order of the day.Both Liverpool and Chelsea should have waited until they had studied the evidence that saw an independent F.A. regulatory commission find Suarez guilty and the CPS to charge Terry rather than assume innocence or in Liverpool's case also be in denial. Suarez was found guilty of making a racist comment and banned for eight games — at Wigan his teammates wore T-shirts in support.In whichever context Suarez believed he was using "negrito" — I have a friend whose white Colombian wife is known as Negra because of her jet-black hair — it still breaches F.A. regulations relating to a person's color. I can accept in his mind he probably didn't use it as an out-and- out racist term but Suarez should be experienced enough to realize that what is accepted in South America is not accepted in England. Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law.* * *DAVID MOYES, the Everton manager, left the Blackburn vs. Bolton game at halftime because he was so disgusted with the abuse the home fans were giving Steve Kean.I cannot remember such vitriol being directed at a manager as Kean is enduring. Emotion is one thing but when this borders on hatred it is utterly unacceptable.In no other profession does anyone turn up for work and see his name with the word "out" next to it on banners, with thousands chanting for him to be sacked. Kean has conducted himself with professionalism and restraint but the lame-duck manager is not the real villain in the demise of Blackburn.Venky's, the club's India-based owners, have ripped the heart from the club that is the cornerstone of the local community, the lifeblood of many in the Lancashire town. Just over a year ago, they sacked Sam Allardyce, a respected manager with a record of success, and replaced him with the untried Kean, who they have left to be hung out to dry. If Venky's had tried to ruin a club, it is unlikely they could have done better — or worse.Christopher Davies was a longtime Premier League correspondent for the London Daily Telegraph.
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