Terry makes referee plea

JOHN TERRY has urged the Football Association to change the rules and rid the game of ugly confrontations between players and officials.

The Chelsea skipper is in favour of a rule change which would only allow team captains to speak to officials over contentious decisions on the pitch.

His remarks come just days after his club and international team-mate Ashley Cole issued an apology for his horrific tackle on Tottenham’s Alan Hutton and for showing a lack of respect towards referee Mike Riley as he was shown the yellow card during their 4-4 draw.

Now Terry says it is time for the FA to get rid of mass confrontations between players and referees. “I do agree there has to be a line drawn and confronting the referee has to be taken out of the game,” said Terry. “I think we have to give it a go and if it doesn’t work then the FA and the officials have to say that. But we have to try these things.”

Terry was criticised in many quarters for running over to Riley when he saw the Tottenham staff react angrily to Cole’s challenge on Wednesday. But Terry played down suggestions he was trying to influence the official.

“I saw their bench jump up and I ran forward to tell Mike Riley not to listen or be intimidated by their bench trying to force him into a decision,” explained Terry.

“I spoke to him and he told me ‘It was a high tackle and it was going to be a booking’, I agreed and walked away. There was no argument from me or anyone else close to Mike Riley and I thought he handled it fantastically well.

“Us players have got to set an example to the younger kids playing the game and people watching. But it is a natural reaction when a tackle is made. The fans show their frustration and whistle at the referee and the players have that same reaction because we are passionate.

“It is a case of Chelsea appealing for what they feel is right at the time. The club have spoken to the players and the manager about it but at the moment we don’t see we are doing it any more than any other club.”

Terry also insisted David Beckham should captain his country if he is handed his 100th cap against France on Wednesday. Terry is set to link up with the England squad for the first time under Fabio Capello but remains unsure of his own position.

“If he is going to start or come on, he fully deserves to wear that England armband.”