Last week the English FA handed down
the report of its investigation
into the racial abuse case levelled at former national team
captain John Terry. The 53-page report loosely implies – but stops
far short of accusing – Terry, teammate Ashley Cole and Chelsea FC
executive David Barnard of contriving evidence to benefit the
player's defence.
Cole responded as any normal person
would: with
a volley of abuse directed at the FA via Twitter.
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| courtesy: Twitter.com |
He has apologised after the FA
responded by charging
him with misconduct for the insults. However, surely this isn't
the main issue. Ashley Cole's rap-sheet of selfish behaviour is
extensive and leans heavily on the
use of mobile phones. Insults from incredible sources shouldn't
hurt simply because their point of origin has – on appearances –
so little integrity. The FA should be far more concerned that they
suspect two players fabricated evidence in an attempt to avoid
justice.
Perhaps as Cole's tweet was the final
straw however, as amidst yesterday's palaver surrounding the opening
of England's new home base at St George's Park, the FA instituted
a new code
of conduct applying to all players involved in the national
set-up.
Of course it's a good idea, but begs
the question: why hasn't this happened sooner? Perhaps these
guidelines weren't seen as necessary; maybe those in the corridors of
power ultimately realised that definitive expectations both allows
players to know where they stand and provides a framework for
enforcing social behaviour.
Under the new standards, the FA
wouldn't have to charge Cole with the nebulous “misconduct” for
his true-to-type Twittering but simply breaching the England player's
code of conduct. Hopefully, this clarity will reduce the prevalence
of spirit fouls like “actions unbefitting” or “bringing the
game into disrepute”. It's a perfectly sensible step forward for
English football, which has for too long indulged the selfishness of
many star players.
Children need boundaries if they're to
grow up to become productive parts of society. So too, it appears,
do footballers. Maybe there's a link there.
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