Oscar Pistorius accused of having testosterone and needles at his home as court hears of "non-stop shouting" before gunshots fired

Posted on February 20, 2013 by adminsports

Pistorius accused of having testosterone and needles at his home as court hears of 'non-stop shouting' before gunshots fired
'Non-stop' shouting heard from Pistorius' home before shooting
Court hears Reeva was shot on right side of head, in right hip and right elbowPistorius is a flight risk and shouldn't be granted bail, says detectiveUnlicensed ammunition was found at the propertyPolice say testosterone, needles found in Pistorius' bedroomPistorius has said he had been a
victim of crime and received death threats

PUBLISHED:

06:38 GMT, 20 February 2013

UPDATED:

10:14 GMT, 20 February 2013

'Non-stop shouting' was heard coming from Blade Runner Oscar Pistorius' home before his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was shot dead, his bail hearing was told today.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel said the prosecution team has a witness who heard the shouting between 2am and 3am.

Steenkamp, aged 29, was shot three times in her arm, hip and head.

Two containers of testosterone and needles were also found in the bedroom of Pistorius.

The details were revealed as the second day of the 26-year-old athlete's bail hearing began at Pretoria Magistrates' Court.

Back in court: Oscar Pistorius on second day of bail hearing

VIDEO Pistorius arrives at court two hours early for second day of bail hearing

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In an affidavit, Paralympic star
Pistorius has denied murdering the model Steenkamp, 29, at his
home in the early hours of Thursday.

He has said the couple were in love
and he fired through his closed bathroom door, hitting the victim,
thinking a burglar or burglars were inside.

Steenkamp was hit three times and today the court heard the bullets hit her arm, hip and head.

Pistorius has said he shot her with a 9mm pistol.

Investigating officer Hilton Botha said he wanted the Olympian charged additionally with a weapons violation after unlicenced .38 calibre ammunition was found at the property on the exclusive Silver Lakes Golf Estate.

Pistorius arrived at the court
building in a police car with a blue blanket covering his head as
prosecutors prepared to detail why they are charging him with
premeditated murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend.

Under cover: A TV crew film Pistorius arriving at court with a blanket over his head

Oscar Pistorius stands in the dock

Today's proceedings were delayed as more than 100 journalists squeezed into court to report the hearing.

There were chaotic scenes as one
reporter fainted, an overflow room was set up to provide more space and
courtroom screens had technical problems.

Mr Botha said he arrived at Pistorius's house at 4.15am when the victim was already dead.
She was wearing white shorts, a black top and was covered in towels, the court was told.

Mr Botha said he believed Pistorius,
who won two gold medals and a silver at London's 2012 Paralympic Games,
was a flight risk and he was opposing bail.

He also told court Pistorius has offshore accounts and a property in Italy.

The court heard that two mobile phones were seized at the property and neither had been used to call the police or paramedics.

Pistorius has said he had been a
victim of crime and received death threats, but today the court heard
there were no records of this.

Police told the presiding magistrate that testosterone and needles were found in Pistorius's bedroom.

The athlete – who was sobbing this morning in court – made notes with a silver pen as the case progressed.

It was claimed the track star was
involved in another shooting at a restaurant in Johannesburg in January
and asked the gun owner to take responsibility for the incident.

Mr Botha also told the court of an
incident at Kyalami racetrack where Pistorius allegedly threatened to
“f*** up” a man during a row over a girl.

Anxious wait: Oscar Pistorius' sister Aimee, brother Carl and father Henke in the courtroom on Wednesday

Prosecutors want to show why he should be denied bail. Pistorius denies the charge, and said it was an accidental shooting.

The double-amputee Olympian, his
brother, father and uncle were inside the court room as proceedings for
the bail hearing began. The room was packed for a second day.

The 26-year-old Pistorius sat in the
back of the car, which was in a convoy of three police vehicles that
entered the Pretoria Magistrate's Court through a side entrance ahead of
the second day of his bail hearing.

A detective has testified that Pistorius is a flight risk and shouldn't be granted bail.

Mr
Botha also said in the star athlete's bail hearing Wednesday that
Pistorius illegally possessed .38-caliber ammunition in a safe in his
bedroom.

Pistorius is
charged with premeditated murder for the Valentine's Day shooting death
of Steenkamp with a 9 mm pistol. The policeman testified that Pistorius
did not have a license for a .38-caliber weapon and consequently
possession of that ammunition was illegal.

Pistorius
argued in a court affidavit Tuesday that the shooting was accidental
and he thought the model was an intruder in his home.

The detective says all Pistorius would say after the shooting was 'he thought it was a burglar'.

Pistorius' attorney read out an emotional statement on Tuesday in which the
athlete denied murder.

In the statement, which Pistorius was too upset to read out himself, the
athlete said the couple were 'deeply in love', adding: 'I am absolutely
mortified by the events and the devastating loss of my beloved Reeva.'

In his statement, the 26-year-old claimed he mistook Steenkamp for a
burglar after hearing a noise in his bathroom.
Believing Steenkamp to be still in bed, he grabbed his 9mm pistol and
shouted a warning before firing shots at the toilet door.

Pistorius added: 'When I reached the bed, I realised that Reeva was not
in bed. That is when it dawned on me that it could have been Reeva who
was in the toilet.

'I returned to the bathroom calling her name. I tried to open the toilet
door but it was locked. I rushed back to the bedroom and opened the
sliding door exiting on to the balcony and screamed for help.'

According to Pistorius he then smashed his way into the toilet using a
cricket bat, finding her 'slumped over but alive'. He then phoned for an
ambulance and carried her downstairs, but she died in his arms.

Magistrate Desmond Nair ruled that the case was a schedule six offence -
meaning premeditated murder – for the purpose of the bail hearing in
Pretoria.

Prosecutor Gerrie Nel told the court the victim arrived at the house
between 5pm and 6pm on Wednesday, and went to the bathroom after an
argument between the pair.
He said that at 3am Pistorius got up from his bed, walked to the
bathroom door and fired four shots through the closed door, hitting her
three times.

Nel said: 'She couldn't go anywhere. You can run nowhere.'
He told the court Pistorius later told a friend he thought she was a
burglar. Nel added: 'It was all part of the pre-planning. Why would a
burglar lock himself inside the bathroom'

The bail hearing came as Steenkamp's funeral was held in her home town of Port Elizabeth.
Steenkamp was cremated at a memorial service attended by family and
friends who had travelled from around the world. Six pallbearers carried
her coffin, draped with a white cloth and covered in white flowers.

Earlier, French fashion house Thierry Mugler became the latest high-profile sponsor to distance itself from Pistorius.

The company has announced the immediate and complete withdrawal of all
products featuring Pistorius, including its 'A*men Pure Shot' fragrance
featuring Pistorius, which was launched as a special edition to mark
last year's London Paralympics.

In addition, Thierry Mugler has removed all point-of-sale advertising
featuring Pistorius, and deleted all references to the athlete from its
website.
Two other major sponsors, Oakley and Nike, also distanced themselves
from the athlete this week. Oakley has suspended its contract with
Pistorius while Nike said it has no plans to use him in future
campaigns.

Craig Bellamy gets six-month driving ban

Posted on January 29, 2013 by adminsports

No-show Bellamy slapped with six-month driving ban and fined after speeding offence

By
Mike Hornby, Press Association

PUBLISHED:

17:09 GMT, 29 January 2013

UPDATED:

17:46 GMT, 29 January 2013

Craig Bellamy was banned from driving and fined today after admitting a motoring offence.

The former Wales captain did not attend Liverpool Magistrates Court where he was disqualified for six months and ordered to pay a 900 fine plus 400 costs.

The court heard Bellamy failed to respond to a police notice of intended prosecution.

As well as a six-month driving ban, Bellamy was fined over 1,300

Fined: As well as receiving a six-month driving ban, Craig Bellamy was fined 1,300

Simon Leong, prosecuting, said the notice was sent to the Cardiff City star after his Audi was caught by a speed camera travelling at 64mph in a 50mph section of the M62 towards Liverpool at 3.05am on April 3 last year.

At the time the former Manchester City and Newcastle United star was playing for Liverpool.

Mr Leong said: 'A notice of intended prosecution was sent to his address but the defendant did not respond.'

Bellamy, 33, was charged with failing to give a driver’s identity as required under section 172 of the Road Traffic Act.

He initially pleaded not guilty and a trial was set for November 27 last year but that had to be abandoned for medical reasons.

Bellamy changed his plea to guilty on
December 18, the day his rescheduled trial was due to take place, and
the matter was adjourned until today’s sentencing.

Bellamy didn't turn up to court, but had already entered a guilty plea

No-show: Bellamy didn't turn up to court, but had already entered a guilty plea

Bellamy already had three previous speeding offences on record

Penalty points: Bellamy already had three previous speeding offences on record

Mr Leong said Bellamy had totted up nine penalty points for three previous speeding offences.

'This offence carries six points taking him over the threshold for disqualification,' he added.

John Rowan, defending, told the court the star initially denied the offence because the notice was sent to an address where he was not living at the time.

'A plea of guilty was substituted in relation to that and he did accept that perhaps he could have done more to intercept the notice and ensure that the details were completed,' the solicitor said.

'The defendant understands he will be disqualified, that he is a totter with nine points and this carries a penalty of six.

'This is his first disqualification.'

Mr Rowan told the court he was not
provided with information about the defendant’s income but added: 'I
should point out that Mr Bellamy is a former Premiership footballer. He
is not currently playing in the Premier League but he is a professional
footballer.'

Deputy District Judge Simmons said: 'I must impose penalty points and six penalty points is the required number.

'Given
that he has nine penalty points already he must be disqualified from
driving for a period of six months under the totting up provisions.'

She
gave Bellamy credit of 10 per cent for his guilty plea, ordering a fine of 900
plus 400 costs and 15 victim surcharge which he must pay within 14
days.

Nick Harris: Well back player walk-offs over racism, says union chief Carlisle

Posted on January 6, 2013 by adminsports

We'll back player walk-offs over racism, says union chief Carlisle

Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins in the vanguard, they want to be seen as the pioneers of a new, clean era in cycling.

Some critics argue that Team Sky's 'no drugs' policy evidently failed in as much as it did not prevent past dopers from working with them.

Any confession by Armstrong could rest on whether he is guaranteed immunity from prosecution for perjury after lying in court cases in the past about his doping.

Chelsea fan accused of "monkey" taunt at Danny Welbeck will face no further action

Posted on December 13, 2012 by adminsports

Chelsea fan accused of aiming 'monkey' taunt at Welbeck will face no further action as CPS claim there is 'insufficient evidence'

UPDATED:

16:04 GMT, 13 December 2012

No further action will be taken against a man who was arrested on suspicion of racist behaviour following Chelsea's League Cup win over Manchester United, Scotland Yard said.

Pictures taken during the October 31 fourth-round tie at Stamford Bridge appeared to show a fan making a 'monkey' gesture.

A 28-year-old man was arrested over alleged racist behaviour. United striker Danny Welbeck appeared to be the target of the alleged abuse.

A CPS London spokesperson said: 'We have thoroughly reviewed the evidence in this case in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

No action: The Chelsea supporter will face no further charges after appearing to make a racist gesture

Taunt: Chelsea supporter Gavin Kirkham will face no further charges after appearing to make a racist gesture

'To bring a charge for a racially
aggravated public order offence we need to be able to prove in a court
either that an individual’s gestures demonstrate hostility towards the
victim based on the victim's membership (or presumed membership) of a
racial group, or that the offence is motivated (wholly or partly) by
hostility towards members of a racial group based on their membership of
that group.

'It is our decision that, having
looked closely at video footage, an image of the incident and witness
statements, the evidence does not demonstrate this to the standard
required for a prosecution. There is therefore insufficient evidence for
a realistic prospect of conviction and we are therefore not bringing a
charge against this individual.'

Other fans in the crowd were
interviewed and CCTV footage has been examined but 'a decision was taken
with the Crown Prosecution Service to proceed with no further action,'
the Scotland Yard spokesman said.

He
said: 'The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) takes any allegation of
racist chanting and/or behaviour very seriously and if any matters are
brought to our attention they will of course be thoroughly investigated.

'The MPS routinely
work very closely with football clubs and partner agencies to monitor
behaviour to ensure public confidence and safety.'

Peter Herbert, chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, told Sportsmail: 'We are surprised and very disappointed with this decision. We will be taking this matter up with the CPS and also the Metropolitan Police in due course. This decision is not in the public interest and they need to be held to account for it.'

Earlier
this year, Chelsea imposed a lifetime ban on a supporter who admitted
racially abusing former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Mark Clattenburg cleared: Charge Chelsea, says Graham Poll

Posted on November 22, 2012 by adminsports

Now charge Chelsea! Throw the book at Blues after false Clattenburg claim

UPDATED:

17:16 GMT, 22 November 2012

Chelsea should be charged with bringing the game into disrepute, wasting FA time and potentially face a private prosecution from Mark Clattenburg for defamation of character.

There has been little or no thought as to the damage this has done to the referee and his reputation – as Sir Alex Ferguson asserted: 'It’s a problem for Mark and it is unfortunate. ‘Stigma does tend to stick and that is the real unfortunate part.'

Claim: Chelsea accused Clattenburg of racism towards their players

Outside of football people are charged with wasting police time and if making a serious but unfounded allegation a jail sentence can follow.

And yet Chelsea appear to have emerged with nothing worse than a few more dents to an already tarnished reputation.

In this case it is hard to blame the players for they seemed convinced that they heard an inappropriate comment by a referee (how fortunate that referees don't react in a similar way).

Row: Chelsea midfielder Mikel has been charged with misconduct

However it seems unbelievable that the club were prepared to accuse a well-respected, senior International referee without first of all checking to see if there was sufficient evidence to back up such damaging claims.

One has to ask if that is because, other than damaging their reputation, there is no other cost involved.

There seems to be little or no point in financial penalties when the owner has almost limitless wealth and whilst a deduction of points would ensure that clubs checked their facts before such allegations are made, their legal teams would challenge any such penalty.

Claim: Chelsea players alleged that I had threatened them back in 2006

So, we appear left with the same situation as I found myself in six years ago after Chelsea players alleged that I had threatened them in a match against Tottenham.

A referee unfairly accused and left feeling a little more disillusioned with a game he once loved probably unable to referee a top four team again this season. Then again, why would he want to

Bernie Ecclestone"s facing 300million court action over alleged bribery

Posted on October 26, 2012 by adminsports

Bernie's bit of bother at the bank: F1 supremo facing 300m bill

By
Jonathan McEvoy

PUBLISHED:

00:29 GMT, 26 October 2012

UPDATED:

00:29 GMT, 26 October 2012

Bernie Ecclestone finished his game of backgammon before rejecting a request to hand over 300million.

That demand is the latest – and most lurid – twist in the saga that places serious doubt over Ecclestone's position as Formula One's overlord.

The request comes from German state-owned bank BayernLB for the amount they believe they lost when Ecclestone allegedly bribed one of their former employees, Gerhard Gribkowsky, into selling their stake to CVC, the company Ecclestone works for, at an artifically low price in 2005.

Time's up: Eccelstone's spell at the helm of F1 could be coming to an end

One F1 powerbroker told Sportsmail it would ‘not be easy’ for Ecclestone to remain in post.

But the man in question was playing his favourite board game with his Austrian chef as news from Germany broke here ahead of Sunday's Indian Grand Prix, a race that coincides with Ecclestone's 82nd birthday.

He said BayernLB were blackmailing him and typically refused to budge, insisting they would have to go to court to get their money.

He said: 'They asked our lawyers in Germany for the money. They said, “Could we have 400m back”

'I didn't respond. There’s no point, is there They will sue in England. If they win, they get paid. If they lose, it will just cost them. That's all.'

It is a tangled story that has already seen Gribkowsky jailed for eight-and-a-half years in June for admitting he accepted 27m from Ecclestone to sell the shares for a deflated price of 470m. Ecclestone, whose role is being investigated in Germany, denies the accusation.

Connected: There have been claims over Ecclestone's deal to buy CVC

The bank have seen the prosecution files
on Ecclestone, prompting them to ask for the money they seemingly
missed out on. The Wall Street Journal quotes industry insiders valuing
the business at more than 1.2billion. The question is whether
Ecclestone can ride out the storm.

He has always been a rule unto himself, but the patience of F1's owners, the private equity firm CVC, is being tested to the limit. Ecclestone, who retains shares in F1, is chief executive of CVCs grand prix business. They are known to be thinking of life beyond his highly personalised control, and that process would accelerate if events in Germany turn damagingly against him.

'There's nothing to worry about,' said Ecclstone. 'I'm aggravated with the nonsense I'm being put through for all this. I sold the bloody shares for the bank. It was something they couldn’t sell. They had six people look at them and wouldn't buy. I got them out of trouble and now I’m in trouble. Life is like that sometimes.'

Back to business: Bernie is in India for Sunday's GP

While he was dismissing the idea of jail in Germany, the affairs of another rich man, the Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, solved the crisis that was the talk of the Delhi paddock.

Mallya is a flamboyant character who owns Kingfisher airlines and is team principal of Force India. But as of yesterday morning he owed 35m to the national airport authority. His 16-strong fleet was grounded.

By mid-afternoon, he had bought peace. His staff, who had threatened to protest outside the track after receiving bouncing cheques for seven months, went back to work. The government’s indication that his own plane would be impounded if he landed in India had receded.

Is the financial turbulence a worry for Paul di Resta, the British driver who is expected to sign on to stay at Force India next season

'I'm still getting paid,' he said, an astonishing statement given that the team's co-owners Sahara have been ordered by India's supreme court to pay back nearly 3bn to investors. 'Everything here is fine.'

Ecclestone, you will be unsurprised to learn, won the backgammon. A game with bigger stakes goes on.

Manchester United youngster Ryan Tunnicliffe banned for 18 MONTHS over drink-driving

Posted on October 25, 2012 by adminsports

Don't let Fergie see you smiling… drink-driving Tunnicliffe beams outside court after being banned for 18 MONTHS

UPDATED:

12:41 GMT, 25 October 2012

Manchester United starlet Ryan Tunnicliffe has been banned from driving for 18 months for drink-driving.

The 19-year-old crashed his 60,000 Range Rover on October 13 and was later charged with driving with excess alcohol.

He appeared at Bury Magistrates Court on Thursday morning and was banned, as well as being hit with an 800 fine.

Ban: Ryan Tunnicliffe smiled as he arrived at Bury Magistrates Court

Ban: Ryan Tunnicliffe smiled as he arrived at Bury Magistrates Court for his hearing

The 19-year-old crashed his luxury Range Rover into a parked van after he drank 'a lot' of alcohol the night before with his family.

The unattended Ford Transit van in Heywood, Greater Manchester, was shunted five metres (16.4ft) into the stone wall of a house in the incident.

No one was hurt in the collision apart from Tunnicliffe's front seat passenger, a friend, who received minor injuries.

Aside from the damage to the van and the house involved, his Range Rover was written off at a cost of 30,000.

The footballer phoned the police from the scene in Green Lane shortly after 2.15pm on October 13 and officers attended.

A police constable noticed his breath smelt of alcohol.

He provided a positive breath test at the scene and then gave a reading of 62mg/100ml, the legal limit being 35mg, at Bury police station.

Tunnicliffe, of Heywood, pleaded guilty to the offence on his first appearance over the matter at Bury Magistrates' Court.

The court heard both his family and club were 'very disappointed' about the incident.

Damage: This picture shows Tunnicliffe's smashed-up Range Rover

His ban is likely to be reduced by
four months after Tunnicliffe indicated he would be interested in
attending a drink-drive rehabilitation course.

He was fined 800 and ordered to pay 85 prosecution costs and an 80 victim surcharge.
Tunnicliffe was told to take his hands out of his pockets before the hearing started.

Caroline Patrick, prosecuting, said
his vehicle left the road and went on to a footpath before hitting the
van which was knocked into the wall and the wooden garden gates of a
house.

Chris Proctor, defending, said: 'My
instructions are that he had consumed alcohol the evening before and
unfortunately, in an error of judgment on his part, he thought he would
be below the legal limit and he was able to drive.

'Generally he is a very sensible
young man. He is a professional footballer and this incident happened in
an international break in the calendar.

'He had some drinks with his family. He generally does not tend to drink alcohol because of his footballing commitments.'

Tunnicliffe had gone to collect a
vehicle he had recently bought before the incident at a notorious
accident blackspot, the solicitor said.

Mr Proctor added this was not a situation in which his client drank alcohol and then immediately got behind the wheel.

A number of letters of character reference were handed to the presiding magistrate, District Judge Richardson.

Mr Proctor said: 'The third parties in this case, his family and club, are very disappointed at what has happened.'

On his way: Ryan Tunnicliffe made his debut against Newcastle - to win his dad 10,000

On his way: Ryan Tunnicliffe made his debut against Newcastle – to win his dad 10,000

The judge told Tunnicliffe: 'I appreciate what is said on your behalf that you did not drink in daylight hours on that day.

'What was reflected is what you drank the night before, which must have been a lot.

'I think you are genuinely contrite
about that and I am going to give you full credit for your guilty plea
and that you had the courage to phone the police yourself.

'There is also nothing like this in your background.

'You are a well-paid athlete and the fine reflects that. It is a reflection of your income.'

It was not stated in court whether the Range Rover was the car he had left home to pick up.

Tunnicliffe hit the headlines recently when he made his debut for United – and made his father 10,000 richer in the process.

Mick Tunnicliffe placed a 100 bet when
his son was nine that he would one day play for United (at odds of
100-1) – and his moment came when Marnick Vermijl was replaced during
the 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Capital One Cup.

And
there could be worse to come for bookmakers William Hill, who revealed
they also took another bet from Tunnicliffe's dad of 100 at odds of
350/1 that the young midfielder will one day play for England at some
stage in his career.

The wager could net Tunnicliffe Snr a whopping 35,000 payout.

'The
last time a bet of this nature cost us 10,000 was when Chris Kirkland
made his debut in goal for England, also landing a 100 bet for his
father,' said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.

'We will obviously be paying close attention to the progress of Ryan’s career in the future.'

Tunnicliffe, who spent last season under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson's son, Darren, on loan at Peterborough United, was one of a number of youngsters blooded last month.

Winger Robbie Brady and defenders Scott Wootton and Michael Keane were also given run-outs by Ferguson at Old Trafford as United cruised through to a tricky fourth round meeting with Chelsea.

John Terry racism affair has harmed England"s reputation – David Bernstein

Posted on October 19, 2012 by adminsports

Terry racism row has damaged England's reputation… and the FA must do more, admits Bernstein

UPDATED:

08:18 GMT, 19 October 2012

The reputation of English football has been harmed by the John Terry affair, admits FA chairman David Bernstein, who has vowed to clamp down on racism incidents in future.

Bernstein hopes a line can finally be drawn under the Terry racism case after the Chelsea captain's decision not to appeal against his punishment.

Terry was suspended for four games and fined 220,000 by an independent FA regulatory commission after he was found guilty of racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand in a game last season.

The row that divided football: John Terry (left) and Anton Ferdinand (right)

The time taken for the FA to handle the case has been criticised, although their investigation was held up by the need to defer to the police and the Crown Prosecution Service’s criminal proceedings.

The governing body’s verdict was finally announced two weeks ago and Terry accepted the sanction ahead of Thursday's deadline.

And a statement from Bernstein on the FA’s website read: 'The decision by John Terry not to appeal his FA charge hopefully brings to a close a difficult period for the domestic game in England in which, unfortunately, the reputation of English football has been damaged.

'John Terry has now been sanctioned and held accountable for his actions. I am pleased he has apologised and we must now draw a line under this matter.

'We too will learn from the case. We have noted criticisms made by the Independent Regulatory Commission as to how matters could and should be improved.

'I will ensure any lessons that arise from the ruling will be learnt quickly and appropriately.

'It is a shame that one high-profile incident has had such a major impact.
The damage of this affair is not irreparable, but as events this week have shown there are still many lessons to be learnt in the wider fight against racial abuse and discrimination of all types.'

England’s Under 21 team, and in particular full-back Danny Rose, suffered abuse in Serbia on Tuesday while Lazio were fined 32,500 by UEFA for monkey chants by their fans during a Europa League tie against Tottenham.

Bernstein continued: 'No player should suffer the intolerable abuse the likes of which Danny Rose was subjected to in Serbia.'

Shame in Serbia: Danny Rose (left) suffered racial abuse on Tuesday night

There has also been criticism from black players of the Kick It Out campaign, with Reading’s Jason Roberts leading players stating they will not wear organisation’s T-shirts during their current 'Weeks of Action' as it has not been hardline in its response to the Terry and Luis Suarez abuse incidents.

Suarez was hit with an eight-match ban last season for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, with Bernstein noting: 'Many have highlighted the difference between this sanction (for Terry) and the eight matches imposed on Luis Suarez.

'In the case of Suarez, however, the commission found that repetition of the insulting language used was a further aggravating factor.'

He also defended Kick It Out, saying: 'This coming fortnight's “Kick It Out” campaign is a valuable reminder of the strength of the game when addressing these issues together, and it is this positivity that our game must harness.

'I hope this time next year when we are marking 20 years of the “Let’s Kick Racism Out of Football” message we will be reflecting once again on the positive power of football to publicly oppose all forms of discrimination and ensure our sport is inclusive to all.'

John Terry found guilty by FA in race row

Posted on September 27, 2012 by adminsports

Terry slapped with four-game ban after FA find him guilty in Ferdinand race case

UPDATED:

14:46 GMT, 27 September 2012

John Terry has been banned for four matches and fined 220,000 after being found guilty of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand by a Football Association independent regulatory commission.

Chelsea's skipper denied the charge but the commission ruled that he was guilty of misconduct during the Blues' Barclays Premier League defeat at QPR on October 23 last year.

The 31-year-old, who on Sunday announced his retirement from international football, can lodge an appeal against the panel's decision.

Day four: Terry received a four-match ban

Day four: Terry arrived at Wembley with a verdict imminent

Terry's representatives, Elite
Management, said in a statement released on his behalf: 'Mr Terry is
disappointed that the FA Regulatory Commission has reached a different
conclusion to the clear not guilty verdict of a court of law.

'He has asked for the detailed written
reasons of the decision and will consider them carefully before
deciding whether to lodge an appeal.'

An FA statement said: 'An independent
regulatory commission has today found a charge of misconduct against
John Terry proven and has issued a suspension for a period of four
matches and a fine of 220,000, pending appeal.

'The Football Association charged Mr
Terry on Friday 27 July 2012 with using abusive and/or insulting words
and/or behaviour towards Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand and which
included a reference to colour and/or race contrary to FA Rule E3[2] in
relation to the Queens Park Rangers FC versus Chelsea FC fixture at
Loftus Road on 23 October 2011.

Back in action: Terry featured against Wolves on Tuesday night

'The charge was the result of The FA's
long-standing investigation into this matter, which was placed on hold
at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service and Mr Terry's
representatives pending the outcome of the criminal trial.

'The decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission is as follows:

Mr Terry be suspended from all
domestic club football until such time as Chelsea's First Team have
completed four competitive matches.
Fined the sum of 220,000.

'The independent regulatory commission
will provide written reasons for its decision in due course. Mr Terry
has the right to appeal the decision of the independent regulatory
commission to an Appeal Board. An appeal must be lodged within 14 days
from receipt of the written reasons for the decision.

'The penalty is suspended until after
the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should
Mr Terry decide not to appeal. The reason for this is to ensure that the
penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Terry has an
effective right of appeal.'

Chelsea released their own statement which read: 'Chelsea Football Club notes and respects today's decision by the Football Association regarding John Terry.

Precedent: Suarez (left) was banned for eight matches last season

'We also recognise that John has the
right to appeal that decision. It is therefore inappropriate for us to
comment further on the matter at this time.'

The case centred around an incident during Chelsea's Barclays Premier League defeat at QPR on October 23 last year when the pair clashed verbally on a number of occasions.

Terry was found not guilty in Westminster Magistrates Court in July of a racially-aggravated public order offence with the prosecution unable to prove he had called Ferdinand a “f****** black c***” as an insult.

Terry admitted using the words, but insisted he had only been repeating words he thought Ferdinand had accused him of saying.

Cleared: Terry faced a court case earlier this summer regarding the same incident

Chelsea and England team-mate Ashley
Cole gave evidence that helped exonerate Terry, telling the court: 'We
shouldn't be sitting here'.

The FA's decision to press ahead with
their own charges infuriated Terry to the extent that on the eve of the
disciplinary hearing he announced he was quitting international football
with immediate effect, saying his position was 'untenable'.

Terry's legal team had argued the
governing body's own rules dictated that his acquittal in court meant
the case could not proceed but the FA believed their charge was distinct
from the court charge.

The panel who handed Liverpool striker
Luis Suarez an eight-match ban when they found him guilty of racially
abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra last season declared at
that time that simply using racist language was enough to constitute a
breach of FA rules.

JOHN TERRY – HIGHS AND LOWS

HIGH – Makes Chelsea debut against Aston Villa in October 1998.

LOW – Is one of four players fined two weeks' wages by Chelsea after their behaviour at a Heathrow hotel is criticised on the day after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

LOW – In 2002, Terry and Chelsea team-mate Jody Morris are cleared after being charged with assault and affray in connection with a nightclub incident. Terry, uncapped at the time, is ruled out of the World Cup by the FA until the legal case is completed.

HIGH – Makes England debut as substitute against Serbia and Montenegro in June 2003.

HIGH – Appointed Chelsea captain as the successor to Marcel Desailly in August 2004.

HIGH – Succeeds David Beckham as England captain in August 2006.

LOW – Misses crucial kick in a penalty shoot-out to decide the 2008 Champions League final against Manchester United, who go on to lift the trophy.

LOW – In December 2009, Chelsea are forced to defend Terry after allegations he took secret cash payments to lay on a behind-the-scenes tour of the club's training ground.

LOW – In January 2010, Terry is named as the sportsman behind a gagging injunction involving his private life. A court order had previously been in place, covering an alleged relationship between married Terry and French model Vanessa Perroncel, a former partner of team-mate Wayne Bridge.

LOW – Is axed as England captain in February following a meeting with Fabio Capello.

LOW – Bridge refuses to shake Terry's hand before Chelsea's match with Manchester City on February 27.

HIGH – Is restored to the role of permanent England captain by Capello in March 2011.

LOW – In October 2011, Terry is accused of making a racist slur against Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's defeat at QPR. A police investigation is launched which culminates in the Crown Prosecution Service announcing that charges would be brought. In February 2012, West London Magistrates' Court rules that Terry should stand trial in the week beginning July 9.

LOW – Terry is stripped of the England captaincy for a second time on February 3. The decision was taken by members of the 14-strong FA board, without consulting Capello. Capello resigns as England manager on February 8, two days after criticising the decision to strip Terry of the captaincy.

HIGH – Terry captains Chelsea to a famous 1-0 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final encounter at Stamford Bridge on April 18.

LOW – A week later, Chelsea's hopes in the second leg at the Nou Camp are hit when Terry is shown a straight red card for inexplicably kneeing Alexis Sanchez from behind in the first half.

HIGH – Is cleared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on July 13 of making a racist insult to Ferdinand, but two weeks later is charged by the FA with using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the QPR defender. It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Ferdinand. Terry denies the charge and requests a personal hearing.

LOW – Announces his retirement from international football on September 23, shortly before the start of his personal hearing to answer the FA charge.

LOW – Banned for four matches and fined 220,000 by an FA independent regulatory commission.

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Roy Hodgson to snub Rio Ferdinand again as John Terry replacement

Posted on September 26, 2012 by adminsports

Hodgson ready to snub Ferdinand AGAIN as England boss looks for Terry replacement

UPDATED:

22:20 GMT, 25 September 2012

Roy Hodgson remains reluctant to recall Rio Ferdinand to the England squad despite John Terry's International retirement, according to sources close to the England manager on Tuesday night.

The Manchester United defender is the obvious alternative to Terry but the England manager has never selected Ferdinand and what relationship they had has been soured by the saga involving Rio's brother Anton of QPR.

It leaves Hodgson hoping that, come the selection of his squad next week for October's World Cup qualifying double-header against San Marino and Poland, he has enough options to keep ignoring Ferdinand.

Reluctant: Rio Ferdinand is unlikely to earn a recall to the England squad

Terry – who played for Chelsea on Tuesday only hours after attending the second day of his FA disciplinary hearing at Wembley – may have to wait until as late as Thursday to learn his fate.

The Chelsea captain, charged by the FA with racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, left Wembley at lunchtime and must be patient while the four-man independent panel works towards reaching its verdict.

Terry expects to be punished with the mandatory four-match ban and that belief prompted his decision to retire from international football on Sunday.

But after hearing the case for the prosecution on Monday and the defence on Tuesday, a panel that includes former England winger Stuart Ripley – now a qualified sports lawyer – will consider all the evidence before reaching their verdict.

Waiting game: John Terry (centre) may have to wait until Thursday for the FA's verdict on his race charge

I'll stand by you! Roy Hodgson (right) will take Terry (left) back, should he decide to return to international duty

Officials at the FA believe that while the matter could be concluded on Wednesday evening, it could also run into Thursday.

Chelsea will continue to stand by Terry and, as Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday, Hodgson would welcome him back into the England squad if he changed his mind, irrespective of the outcome of the hearing.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins, who testified on the defender's behalf in court, where he was found not guilty, has said he is prepared to go to the FA hearing to support Terry.

Wilkins told ESPN: 'I called John immediately after his decision to resign from the England team to see how he is.

'We didn't talk about my attendance at the FA hearing, but I am there for him if he needs me.

'I gave evidence on his behalf at the magistrates' court and I would do so again at the FA hearing, if they wish me to.'

Natural selection: Ferdinand could be a perfect replacement for the retiring centre-back

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