Liverpool, Chelsea must temper player loyalty

The most startling line in the statement Liverpool released in response to learning that Luis Suarez had been punished for racially abusing Patrice Evra was this: "It appears to us that the FA were determined to bring charges against Luis Suarez, even before interviewing him at the beginning of November."

It was an impetuous statement anyway, but that sentence was hugely unfair and irresponsible; a total failure to acknowledge the fact that Suarez's case was reviewed by an independent three-man commission, including a QC, and something that has also incited fresh resentment and hatred towards innocent employees at Wembley. Since Tuesday night, some FA officials have been subjected to the most appalling abuse when they have had absolutely nothing to do with the case.

Liverpool accused the FA of prejudging the Suarez case, when it is Liverpool who have prejudged it more than anyone. The same goes for Chelsea vis-a-vis the John Terry case.

Players expect their managers to stand by them and supporters expect to see that kind of loyalty, too. It is on such foundations that success is often built at a football club. It is how a manager creates a spirit and a unity within his squad.

And, let's not forget, these are extremely important players for their clubs — Suarez is Liverpool's best player this season, Terry is Chelsea's captain.

Social responsibility

But, when the issue is something as serious as racism, our football clubs also need to remember that they have a responsibility to the society. One that right-minded people want to see rid of racial prejudice.

Both clubs have been incredibly vocal in their support of their players without the benefit of reviewing all the evidence. In the Suarez case, it is before Paul Goulding QC has provided the full written reasons for banning the player for eight matches; in the Terry case, it is before allowing the Metropolitan Police to complete their investigation.

Only the police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are in possession of all the facts when it comes to what happened between Terry and Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road on October 23.

It is the police who have taken the witness statements and reviewed the evidence provided by Sky and their TV cameras.

Until Terry's case goes to court, and until Goulding files his report and the FA appeal process follows, Liverpool and Chelsea need to hold fire. Be supportive, yes, especially when Terry remains innocent until proven guilty.

Consider implications

But, let the legal process run its course, and, in the case of Andre Villas-Boas, think about the wider implications of what you are saying before dismissing the accusations in so forthright a manner.

"I will be really supportive of John Terry whatever the outcome of the situation," said Villas-Boas before even learning of the CPS decision to prosecute. But, what if Terry is found guilty? What if Suarez fails in his appeal and the evidence points to him racially abusing Evra? Where does that leave Liverpool and Chelsea?

— Daily Mail