To prevent another uncomfortable pre-match handshake involving John Terry, Barclays Premier League officials decided to forgo the customary routine during the recent Chelsea vs. Queens Park Rangers match.
Chelsea’s captain, Terry, is scheduled for a court case on July 9 regarding allegations of racial abuse directed at Anton Ferdinand during QPR’s win over Chelsea last October.
Although Terry has denied any wrongdoing and lost the England captaincy as a result of this controversy, the FA has already cancelled handshake protocols in a previous FA Cup match between these teams, thus avoiding a situation reminiscent of when Wayne Bridge of Manchester City refused to shake hands with his former teammate.
A statement released by the Premier League on Friday clarified their stance: “The Premier League’s position regarding the pre-match handshake convention remains unchanged. Under normal circumstances, it is expected to occur. However, following talks with both Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers about the specific legal implications concerning John Terry and Anton Ferdinand, the handshake convention has been suspended for Sunday’s match.”
Prior to this announcement, the Crown Prosecution Service had not instructed Terry to abstain from handshaking Ferdinand. “Certain media outlets have reported that the CPS advised John Terry not to shake hands with Anton Ferdinand before this weekend’s match. This information is incorrect,” the CPS asserted. “No such advice has been provided to Terry or his legal team.”
Richard Scudamore, the chief of the Premier League, previously stated that the handshake, which was introduced in 2004, would continue to be integral to the game. “The handshake does not signify that everyone loves each other,” Scudamore explained. “It symbolizes that despite past issues or future conflicts, for the next 90 minutes, we are there to play football. It’s purely symbolic, which is why we believe they should persist—with no exceptions.”
In other news, Terry will be permitted to lift the trophy if Chelsea triumphs in the UEFA Champions League Final next month, despite his ban from participating in the match.
Terry was sent off for a reckless challenge on Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, after which his Chelsea teammates orchestrated an impressive comeback to eliminate the defending champions in the semi-finals. He subsequently expressed remorse to Chelsea supporters for his actions, which have caused a defensive dilemma ahead of their final against Bayern Munich on May 19. While he can enter the locker room that night, Terry is prohibited from sitting on the bench at the Allianz Arena.
UEFA confirmed on Thursday that, despite concerns stemming from his red card, he will be allowed to join stand-in captain Frank Lampard to receive the cup if Chelsea secures victory over the German side at its home venue.
The total length of Terry’s suspension will be determined by a UEFA disciplinary panel nearly two weeks following the final.
Buford Balony says: Why does Terry receive such different treatment compared to others? He is a total wanker who appears to only care about himself. I hope Ferdinand gets the chance to punch him in the face one day.
