Saturday, 30
January 2010
The Chelsea hierarchy are fully aware of the
circumstances which have dragged their club captain on to the front
pages once again. They knew about the legal injunction he took out
last week and about the High Court appeal which overturned it
yesterday.
But they will not act until they see this morning's
newspapers and media coverage of Terry's affair with Wayne Bridge's
ex-partner, Vanessa Perroncel.
Owner Roman Abramovich's right-hand man, Eugene
Tenenbaum, will consult boss Ancelotti and Terry will be asked to
make his case for playing in spite of the furore.
There is no doubt that Terry will want to start. As far
as he is concerned, only serious injury is a reason for not turning
out for the team.
He is no stranger to off-field controversy and how
to handle it. In the past year alone, his mum was exposed in The
Sun for shoplifting along with his mother-in-law.
More recently, his dad was accused of drug dealing by
the News of the World and Terry himself was alleged to have been
involved in a scheme which allowed rich businessmen access to
Chelsea's training ground in return for a huge fee.
Did it affect his game? Not one bit. The 29-year-old
defender has an ability to separate completely his professional
duty and his private life.
In his mind, nothing should interfere with his duty as
captain of his club and country and his performances over a
turbulent last few weeks have been flawless. But this time, his
private life and his professional one appear to have crossed over
thanks to the affair with Perroncel.
There have been rumours circulating about it around the
Chelsea training ground for months. But because of Terry's position
of authority, no one dared challenge the captain on the issue.
Also, Terry has been the subject of kiss and tell
stories in the past - all of which were simply dismissed by the
club and his team-mates.
Now there is evidence, and the involvement of Bridge's
ex-partner and mother of his son Jaydon, has shocked many in the
Blues' dressing room.
Bridge was one of the most-loved players at Stamford
Bridge. Even though he left for Manchester City a year ago, he
remains very close to his former colleagues. And, in the end, that
is what could damage Terry.
His team-mates are willing to turn a blind eye to most
indiscretions. However, there is a code of honour among players, as
there is elsewhere, that there are some things you just don't
do.
There is no doubt that, on the pitch, Terry still
commands the respect and camaraderie of his Chelsea team-mates. But
his character has undoubtedly been called into question over this
incident and it is only going to get worse.
Chelsea play Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on
February 27 when Terry and Bridge could come face to face for the
first time since the news became public.
That match is followed by an England friendly against
Egypt at Wembley four days later and the idea of both men in the
same squad is uncomfortable to say the least.
Bridge is thought to be considering his future in
international football. So far, the City full-back's feelings on
all of this have been protected by his friends and family.
Ironically, Terry had the opportunity to join his old
team-mate at Eastlands last summer when City bid £50million for him
and offered the England captain wages of £200,000 a week.
