Fernandes: Terry innocent until proven guilty

QPR owner Tony Fernandes says John Terry should remain England captain while the investigation into his alleged racist comments continues.

The Chelsea defender is under a formal investigation by the Metropolitan Police following the allegations he racially abused Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand in the two sides’ English Premier League fixture on October 23, but Fernandes has urged caution ahead of any decision regarding Terry’s leadership.

“There’s been no hard evidence either way of John’s alleged statements. If he’s the right man for the job, then he should be selected as captain,” Fernandes told the BBC.

“I think innocent until proven guilty.”

“Lots of things can be said in the spur of the moment which don’t make you really believe what you’ve said.”

Fernandes has dismissed the idea that Terry should be branded a racist even if he is found guilty, but believes the 30-year-old should maintain a positive image due to his profile within the sport.

“I don’t think you can write someone off as a racist because of one statement,” he said.

“Having said that, it is in the public eye and people like John have to be gooder than good. If he said it, it is wrong because of who he is but I don’t say he’s a racist because of that one statement.”