Apparently Hearing is next week as FA Gives Assurances after Hodgson Comments
www.football365.com/news/21554/7993006/FA-Terry-case-will-be-independentFootball 365
FA: Terry case will be independent
The Football Association have assured anti-racism campaigners the regulatory process that will hear John Terry's charge is fully independent.
Last Updated: 15/08/12 at 20:45
Terry (r): Charged with using offensive and insulting behaviour towards Ferdinan
Terry (r): Charged with using offensive and insulting behaviour towards Ferdinan
Terry has been charged with using offensive and insulting behaviour towards Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road last October, including a reference to colour.
England coach Roy Hodgson caused eyebrows to be raised on Tuesday when he said he hoped the case against Terry would not be proven.
The verdict could have dire consequences for Terry's England future - something Hodgson has a vested interest in - however, representatives of both Kick it Out and Football Against Racism have expressed concern that Hodgson should speak publicly in this way.
Kick it Out chairman Lord Ousley was so concerned he rang FA counterpart David Bernstein for assurances about the procedure, which will not be heard until next week.
"In responding to complaints and representations made to the organisation today, Kick It Out reiterates that it cannot and will not do anything to undermine the independent regulatory process of The FA and is advising others to do likewise," said Ousley in a statement.
"However, I have spoken with FA Chairman David Bernstein in relation to comments made by England manager Roy Hodgson.
"He has given me a categoric assurance that the independent regulatory process is free from any influence and is indeed independent."
The Football Association added: "Further to comments from England Manager Roy Hodgson last night, The FA has reiterated that its regulatory processes are independent.
"The England Manager, FA Chairman or General Secretary have no input into regulatory proceedings. We have reminded Kick it Out of this today."
Earlier, Piara Power, executive director of Football Against Racism, branded Hodgson's intervention as "foolish".
"Hodgson's comments on Terry are foolish," he said.
"It is not helpful to the process the FA has undertaken in any way.
"The England manager is employed by the FA, who have a dual role in running the national team and being the governing body.
"Whatever support Roy Hodgson wants to give to a member of his squad, he also has to remember the FA's wider role.
"For the England coach to go public with his view like this calls into question that dual function."
By the time Terry's hearing takes place, the case will have been rumbling on for 11 months, bringing with it so many negative headlines the game could have done without.
It has done little to improve the game's profile in the eyes of the public who have been captivated not only by the athletic achievements, but also the humility of its Olympians over the past three weeks.
Whilst Powar has no wish to see cases resolved speedily at the expense of justice, he does feel greater transparency would have helped.
"My primary concern with this case is that justice is done," he said.
"That comes above any expediency within the decision-making process.
"There has been a criminal case involved here and no doubt the FA are carrying out their own investigations.
"What might have been better was if the FA put out a statement explaining what was happening and how long it was likely to take because the way it is going on, it risks people getting fed up with the situation."
Powar also feels there needs to be some clarity as to who should be responsible for player behaviour be it clubs or the governing body.
He noted that in a recent case involving Emmanuel Frimpong, Arsenal first intervened when the midfielder posted a racist response to an offensive Tweet, only for the FA to then wade in by fining the player £6,000.
"I accept these are complex matters but when you looked at Frimpong's 'Yids' statement, which clearly in the context it was used was derogatory and racist, first his club stepped in, then the FA took action as well," said Powar.
"These players are employed by their clubs, so that is another issue that needs looking at."