Terry stripped of England captaincy (From Crewe Guardian)

Terry stripped of England captaincy

11:14am Friday 3rd February 2012 in National Sport News © Press Association 2011

John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy due to concerns about his racism court trial.

The Chelsea defender was informed of the decision by Football Association chairman David Bernstein in a phonecall at 10am.

It comes after Bernstein contacted all the other members of the 14-strong board to seek their views following the announcement that Terry's court case will not take place until July 9 - after Euro 2012.

The FA have refused to confirm the action but Press Association Sport understands Terry will still be eligible for the England squad for Euro 2012. Terry denies racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in a match against QPR last year.

A spokesman for the player declined to comment this morning.

It is the second time the Chelsea captain has been stripped of the England armband having also lost it two years ago after allegations surrounding his private life came to light.

A majority of board members believed Terry should not be the England figurehead with such a serious charge hanging over him, especially given the possible scenario of England making a complaint about racist abuse from the crowd when playing matches in Ukraine this summer.

It would have been difficult for the FA to take the moral high ground if England's captain is himself facing a criminal charge for racism.

Terry's barrister on Wednesday entered a formal not guilty plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

England manager Fabio Capello had wanted to make the decisions over the captain and had stuck by his belief that Terry should be regarded as innocent until proven guilty but the FA board decided they had to act.