Terry stands firm

The Three Lions skipper has come under intense pressure after being charged for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, but is adamant he is not guilty and is standing firm

Chelsea captain John Terry will not be stepping down as England captain despite facing a court case over racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand, according to the BBC.

Terry is alleged to have abused Ferdinand when the two sides met at Loftus Road in October of last year, and calls from some quarters have demanded he step down as England captain.

The centre-back was in court on Wednesday facing charges of racist abuse, but it is believed he won’t be voluntarily leaving his role, insistent that he has done nothing wrong.

A source close to Terry reportedly told the BBC: “He won't stand down. He is sure of his innocence and thus feels it would be wrong to do so.”

Terry’s case was adjourned until July 9 on Wednesday, making him available to take part in Euro 2012 for England, a decision that has been blasted by MP Damian Collins, who spoke to Goal.com on Thursday.

Collins said: “Frankly it is appalling that the court case isn’t being heard until July and this due to the judicial process being held up by the football calendar.

“These are very serious charges and we simply cannot have a position where a charge like this can be made but nothing at all is done, under the pretence that it hasn’t happened until after the court case.

“By wearing the armband, Terry has a public position. He represents football in this country and is a person that people will look up to.

“But his standing as a role-model has been compromised by the charges that he faces of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, and for the good of the team he should stand aside as captain until he can clear his name.”