John Terry just about did his job against Tottenham this week, he gave away one goal and saved another. At the end of the game he stripped off his shirt and threw it to his adoring fans in the Away end. He sought to perpetuate the 'Terry Myth' of the unshakeable rock. Newspaper reports the following day described his performance as 'heroic'. What an insult to true heroes, our veterans, firemen, nurses to name a few. The unsung.What is so heroic about playing football? What would be heroic, at least within the tabloid definition, would be if Terry had the guts to resign from the England team and captaincy with immediate effect until he 'clears his name' in the criminal proceedings early next year. England could then go about its business and preparation for Euro 2012 without the 'Terry Circus'. Meanwhile the FA wrings its hands. Familiar territory.
Luis Suarez is found guilty of racist abuse following a lengthy and detailed hearing by an independent tribunal. Liverpool FC, one of the biggest and most famous clubs in the world, react by sending their players and manager into the warm up to their next game wearing t - shirts proclaiming their support for Suarez. The t - shirts might just as well have said 'Suarez is innocent'. What message does this send out save one that shows total disregard for the organs of football governance.
From time to time football brings out respect campaigns. These are usually utterly undermined by the actions of those within the game.
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