FA considers heavier punishment for racism cases

John Terry_of_Chelsea_UEFA_Championships_league

By Andrew Warshaw

October 24 – The English Football Association (FA) is considering heavier sanctions for racial abuse in the wake of the John Terry-Anton Ferdinand case, according to FA chairman David Bernstein.

While Terry was banned for four matches and fined £220,000 ($350,000/€280,000) by the FA’s independent regulatory commission, there is a growing feeling among players and officials that the punishment handed to the Chelsea and former England captain was too lenient.

The fall-out from the case will once again be the focus of attention on Sunday (October 28) when Rio Ferdinand, Anton’s brother, will in all likelihood line up for Manchester United who face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Terry, however, will be suspended from the game.

Bernstein (pictured below) confirmed that the general issue of punishments would be considered by the FA.

David Bernstein_FA_chairman
“It’s on the agenda to look at it again,” he said.

“The FA received a certain, probably limited, degree of criticism for its processes in the Terry thing.

“We will look at that.

“I think the tariffs will need looking at but given the existing scenarios and given other punishments elsewhere actually the commission got it pretty much right.”

Any rule change would come in from the start of next season.

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