By ANDREW DILLON
JOHN TERRY will be back as Chelsea captain in just three days’ time despite an FA admission that he has ‘damaged English football’.
FA chairman David Bernstein also revealed the ‘shame’ of Terry’s racial tirade at Anton Ferdinand.
But Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has told JT he will lead out the team at Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Terry starts a domestic four-match FA ban today for using racially motivated language in a rant at QPR defender Ferdinand during a game last season.
Bernstein said: “The decision by John Terry not to appeal his FA charge hopefully brings to a close a difficult period for the domestic game in which, unfortunately, the reputation of English football has been damaged.
“I am pleased he has apologised and we must now draw a line under this matter.
“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.”
But Terry has amazingly been given permission to attend today’s volatile London derby at Tottenham even though his appearance could cause uproar.
Chelsea refused to disclose what punishment they are dishing out to the controversial centre-half who also copped a £220,000 FA fine.
Di Matteo said: “We appreciate he has not appealed the ban. He’s apologised to everyone, including the Ferdinand family. Maybe not directly but to everyone for the language he used. He realises it was inappropriate.”
Players will wear anti-racism T-shirts today as part of ‘Kick It Out’ week in the Premier League.
