After a week of hearings and cross-examinations of John Terry and Anton Ferdinand, the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London found the defender not guilty. Even though, the Chelsea defender was cleared of racial abuse in the public court, he still has to face the football authorities. The problem here is that they can judge the player on a lower burden of proof.
The F.A. is under pressure in this case, and they might judge him for bringing the game into disrepute. This case can be ugly as both parts are fighting for their reputation. Terry is cleared by the public, but his football name can be brought to shame. On the other hand, the F.A. will lose face if they do not punish a man which they have already judged as guilty.
Last season, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was fined £40.000 and banned for eight matches for racial abuse and Terry might face a punishment in that size. No matter what, one of the parts will lose their dignity and at this moment I hope it is going to be the football association. John Terry is no saint, but he has been cleared of all charges and has been punished enough so far. The nearer future will tell if the football authorities believes the same!
