England boss hopes Chelsea skipper is ‘freed’ over FA rap

Wednesday, August 15, 2012
8:03 AM

Roy Hodgson wants John Terry cleared

Roy Hodgson has risked an FA backlash by admitting he hopes John Terry can clear his name so he can carry on picking the Chelsea man.

The defender was cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence by Westminster Magistrates Court in June but is now facing an FA charge as a result of his altercation with Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road in October. It could have a significant impact on his international ambitions if he was found guilty.

Hodgson will have no say in the disciplinary process, which it has been suggested may not be resolved until the end of next month.

However, in comments that will leave him open to the accusation of influencing the disciplinary panel that sits in judgement, Hodgson last night said he hoped Terry is cleared.

“I’m not prepared to discuss John,” said Hodgson initially.

“It’s a matter which is really, as far as I am concerned, working for the FA, subjudice.

“Everything I say can be misinterpreted.

“As far as I am concerned he has a case to answer with the FA and I’ll wait and see what happens.”

Asked about his previous comments in an interview with Sky Sports News last Friday, Hodgson went on: “I’m hoping, and I make no secret of that, the case will take its course, that John, hopefully, will be freed as he was freed in a court of law, and will carry on playing for England.

“That’s my hope. What will happen, I have no idea.

“As a member of the FA, it’s a subjudice situation and I’m not prepared to say any more.

“I thought John did well in the Euros and I’d like to keep using him, but this is a case which is way out of my hands. John understands that.

“All I can do - like many of his supporters, I suppose - is just hope he gets freed and can continue to play.”