Terry to remain as England captain

JOHN TERRY will remain England captain for next month’s friendly double-header with Spain and Sweden if the investigation into his alleged racist slur against Anton Ferdinand has not concluded.

The Football Association have no plans to suspend Terry as skipper pending the outcome of their inquiry, with the governing body adopting an innocent-until-proven-guilty policy.

There is still no guarantee the Chelsea captain will lead his country out in either game at Wembley, with manager Fabio Capello planning to blood several of his fringe players during the back-to-back matches on November 12 and 15.

The FA have launched an inquiry into allegations Terry racially abused Ferdinand during his club’s west London derby defeat at QPR on Sunday.

Terry responded by vowing to clear his name after categorically denying the claims, which are also being assessed by the Metropolitan Police following an anonymous complaint.

Being found guilty after either the FA or police probe could have a ruinous effect on Terry’s future in the game.

The 30-year-old has endured a difficult time over the last 12 months, with allegations that he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge costing him the England captaincy.

The Londoner regained the skipper’s armband from Ferdinand’s older brother Rio in March, but manager Capello could be forced to rescind it again – and even stop picking Terry altogether – if the defender is found guilty of racially abusing a fellow player.

A fine and/or suspension could also follow, as well as a criminal prosecution, should the police probe lead to charges being brought.

Terry and Ferdinand both look likely to be quizzed during the FA inquiry, while a key witness could be the former’s Chelsea and England team-mate Ashley Cole.

The video footage which sparked the current storm shows Cole walking past Terry as he utters the words which some have interpreted as a racist slur.

Terry has admitted using the language but claimed he was actually responding to an accusation of racist abuse from Ferdinand and was simply denying using those words towards him.

Terry added: “I welcome the FA inquiry and look forward to clearing my name as soon as possible.”

Chelsea said in their own statement: “John has issued a statement categorically denying any allegations of racist abuse. We stand by John and his statement.”

Terry and Ferdinand spoke after Sunday’s game to clear the air, leading the former to presume that was the end of the matter.

However, it’s believed Ferdinand has told QPR he was entirely unaware of any race row until after Sunday’s match had finished.

It is this uncertainty that has prompted Rangers to ask the FA to get to the bottom of the matter once and for all.

QPR co-owner Tony Fernandes said: “As a club, we will provide our players with our unequivocal support when alleged incidents like this occur.”

Ferdinand’s apparent confusion could ultimately see Terry exonerated, with claims of on-field racism notoriously hard to prove even when the alleged victim is adamant it occurred.

Manchester United’s Patrice Evra accused Liverpool’s Luis Suarez of racially abusing him during the sides’ 1-1 draw last Saturday, with an FA investigation still ongoing.

Terry did not travel with Chelsea for their Carling Cup fourth-round tie at Everton last night.

The defender played all of Sunday’s game, which the Blues spent more than half of with nine men, and is one booking away from a suspension.

Leaving him behind also allows him to stay out of the public eye for at least another 24 hours.