Capello and co. don't understand racism

First it was the FIFA president Sepp Blatter who suggested it's ok to racially abuse someone on the field as long they shake hands afterwards. Then it was the turn of Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish who didn’t see any problems with Patrice Evra being booed by fans, seeing it as banter.

Now we have England manager Fabio Capello no less, attacking the Football Association for removing John Terry as captain of his country until he can clear his name. Using Capello's own argument, 'he should not step down until he is proved guilty'. Would he – Capello - say the same thing, if Terry was accused of theft, GBH, or any other serious crime? One suspects that Capello, like Blatter and Dalglish does not see racism as a serious incident.

Speaking to an Italian television network last night, Capello stated he disagreed with the FA's decision and that Terry was still captain in his eyes.

Capello told Italian broadcaster Rai 1,

"I completely disagree with the FA about the John Terry decision and I have told that to the chairman. The court will decide. It's going to be civil justice, not sports justice, to decide if John Terry committed the crime that he is accused of. I considered and still consider Terry as the England captain. I think we first should wait for the trial conclusion."

Capello is expected to have a showdown with FA chairman David Bernstein over his public criticism of the decision. It has also been suggested that the Italian may be in breach of his contract.

This is hardly the right preparation for the England national team ahead of the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine in June. But there are bigger issues at stake rather than just football.

Capello was at Stamford Bridge yesterday to watch the game between Chelsea and Manchester United. While Terry was not playing, Rio Ferdinand was booed by the home supporters because Anton is his brother.

Rio, who has been a staunch anti-racism campaigner over the years, spoke before the game about the abuse his younger sibling has received, including a bullet in the post.

"In moments like this, when things are so public and you can't really say anything, it can be frustrating. For my family, yes, it has been tough. At the end of the day, my brother has not brought any accusations to anyone. He is not the accused. But he has had to sit there and take abuse from some small-minded people, which has been very disappointing.

He added,

"I hope people see what effect that has, not just on the actual person but the people around them as well, and think before they speak."

Terry has the right to defend himself against serious allegation and should expect to receive a fair trial and free of prejudice.

But it seems that some people do not understand the seriousness of racism. People like FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who stated that racism on the pitch could be dealt with by a handshake.

Those who have suffered racist abuse, whether verbal or physical, obvious or covert, know that it is not a small matter and any allegations have to be dealt with.