John Terry: Taking it on the chin and marching on

“Maybe the difference in fine is, Terry is a champion of Europe, and Suarez is a Carling Cup Winner.” – Rick Glanvill (Chelsea FC Historian )

“The FA find John Terry guilty, and give him a 4 match ban and 220K fine. Just one game more than a regular red card?” – Gary Lineker

Arsenal, Tottenham, Norwich and Manchester United are the teams Chelsea will face in the next 3-4 weeks, and it’s an absolutely crucial period for Chelsea, who will be devastated by the loss of their captain. Though it looks like he can be eligible for the clash at the Emirates, it’s still not confirmed.

Reading the results of the hearing, I stopped myself when I read the line “abusive or insulting words”. I looked up at the ceiling and asked “Why?” Apparently, the English Football Association consider themselves better decision makers than the Crown Magistrate, who handle such cases often. Then the expression changed, do I care? Proved innocent in the court of law, and that’s what I will believe!

Despite the pleads, despite the requests, since Day 1 the decision was clear in their minds. He has to be punished! Hypocritical in every sense, as Anton Ferdinand escapes unscathed despite insulting the Chelsea captain first.

But you know what? I’m happy. I’m actually delighted. I have seen this happen before, the Wayne Bridge scandal, the time he was in trouble for the Heathrow Airport incident, and every single time, I’ve seen him bounce back. With that band in his arm, and the lion on his chest, he has been for the club when they needed him, and believe it or not, bounced back in spectacular fashion.

Every time you put him down, he is leaping over the defender, connecting with that header beautifully and scoring. Not just that, he runs over to the people he loves, put his arm on the left of his chest, grabs that logo and kisses it. Thats what I’m happy about. Moreover, I hope he appeals the verdict, which will just put him down more if the FA reject it, and help him bounce back harder.

When England somehow carry themselves to Brazil, John Terry will be at Cobham, slyly switching on that telly and smirking in delight on their performance; and I’m saying this by taking in the Three Lion’s recent history on the international stage.

Quite a confusing stage in my life, where I don’t know whether to be upset or happy, but taking everything into account, I can definitely smile to myself.

Dives in head-first and gets his head kicked by an Arsenal player, but still makes it back to the locker room to congratulate his team-mates. Loved by the youth players who call him their idol, loved by almost everyone in West London and admired by a part of Asia.

“There is enough for everybody’s need, but not enough for anybody’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi.

Why did I quote this? Well, because every time someone like John Terry steps up and gives us everything to cheer for, we are still disheartened by every mistake. Hungry, greedy and yearning for more from that player, just for that smile on our face. Like it or not FA, you just cannot remove the love we have for him from our heart.

Rival fans laughing? Please. When you are busy losing your captains, busy having your captains cribbing for money, busy buying other captains, there is that one man who has stayed with us through thick and thin. Refused offers worth double and triple his wages, because the quality of loyalty and pride is imbibed in him.

The FA, the country and hundreds of people will call for your death, but I for one will stick with you through thick and thin and wear the no. 26 jersey with pride.

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