Terry may think ban is lenient, reckons Fergie

Alex Ferguson thinks John Terry might consider himself to have got off lightly after being hit with a four-match ban by the Football Association yesterday.

Terry will decide his next move once he receives the written findings from the four-day independent regulatory commission hearing, after being found guilty of using racist language at Loftus Road in October.

But Ferguson, who saw Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez end their own feud at Anfield on Sunday, feels Terry should think carefully before prolonging the matter.

“There is a danger of it resurrecting itself because it has been going on so long,” said the Manchester United manager.

“But the fact he got a four-game ban, he may consider that is quite lenient considering Luis Suarez got eight.

“It is time to move on and so should the game.”

In advance of the hearing, Terry confirmed he was quitting the England squad because he felt his position was ``untenable''.

That has raised the spectre of Rio Ferdinand being recalled to bolster Roy Hodgson’s central defensive options.

As one of only two centre-halves currently fit at United, Ferguson would be fearful of Ferdinand getting injured on international duty.

And whilst he has not spoken to Ferdinand about the situation, he does not view an England recall as likely.

“I wouldn’t think he will get called up,” said Ferguson.

“Roy Hodgson made his decision before the European Championships and I can’t see him changing that.

“It would be difficult for him now to go back to Rio Ferdinand and welcome him back.”

Ferguson confirmed winger Antonio Valencia was ``doubtful'' for tomorrow's Old Trafford clash with Tottenham after picking up an ankle injury during the win at Liverpool.

The United boss said young defender Scott Wootton would be part of his squad as back-up to Ferdinand and Jonny Evans after impressing against Newcastle in midweek.

Darren Fletcher, who completed the full 90 minutes against Newcastle as he battles to combat a chronic bowel complaint, is unlikely to start as he is being saved for Tuesday’s Champions League encounter with CFR Cluj.

Ferguson said: “He may get a place on the bench and he could go to Romania next week.”