John Terry stripped of captaincy

The Football Association have stripped John Terry of the England captaincy, it was announced earlier today.

The decision was made after his trial for the alleged racist abuse of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand was delayed until July 9 following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates court on Wednesday. Terry denies the charges.

The FA board's decision to take away the captain's armband from Terry comes after months of pressure from anti-racist campaigners and Black footballers past and present who said any player facing such allegations should not lead his country.

"The seriousness of the allegations mean that he can't lead the nation," said Piara Power, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe said earlier this week. "The FA must do the right thing."

The news about Terry losing the captain's armband came hours after news broke that energy secretary Chris Huhne is to be charged with perverting the course of justice.

It is claimed the Lib Dem MP now ex-wife Vicky Pryce accepted speeding penalty points on his behalf in 2003.

Pryce is also facing the same charge, it was confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Both will be required to attend court on 16 February.

Huhne has denied any wrongdoing but announced his resignation while he fights to clear his name.

He said,

"I am innocent of these charges and I intend to fight this in the courts and I am confident that a jury will agree. To avoid distraction to either my official duties or my trial defence I am standing down and resigning as energy and climate change secretary. I will of course continue to serve my constituents in Eastleigh."

Both Terry and Huhne should be treated as innocent until proven otherwise in the court of law. Both men should be allowed to fight the allegations they are accused.

While not an indication of guilt, it is difficult for individuals in a position of responsibility and leadership to continue their roles while facing criminal charges and it only right they step down or are stripped of their position while they clear their name.