Anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out accept reasons behind John Terry ban

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 05 October 2012

A statement from the Kick It Out campaign says that they 'welcome' the written reasons offered by an independent commission regarding John Terry's four-match ban.

Anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out have stated that they 'welcome' the written reasons behind John Terry's four-match ban but believe that the Ferdinand family have been 'traumatised' during this time.

The Chelsea captain was handed a suspension and £220,000 fine after being found guilty of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

Today's published report has claimed that the defence of Terry was 'improbable, implausible and contrived' after he stated that he was repeating what Ferdinand had accused him of saying.

A statement from Kick It Out said: "The written reasons are welcomed and acknowledge some important consequences of this episode, namely the trauma caused to the Ferdinand family. It's a period that has polarised the game, undermined the good work being done at all levels, and it must never be allowed to happen again.

"We note the rationale for the outcome and there is still a right to appeal, which we respect. In addition, any sanction by Chelsea, as Mr Terry's employer, is subject to the club's own internal disciplinary procedures.

"The words used are completely unacceptable, irrespective of how many times they were levelled. As campaigners we remain committed to the strongest action being taken against discrimination and supporting victims of it."

Meanwhile, Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole sparked controversy when he labelled the Football Association a 'bunch of twats' but the England international has since apologised for his remarks.