John Terry’s FA racism hearing starts, a day after defender quit internationals

WEMBLEY, England – John Terry’s racism hearing started on Monday, a day after the Chelsea defender quit England duty in protest at the case being pursued by the Football Association.

The former England captain was charged by the FA despite being cleared in court of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match in October.

Terry said Sunday that the disciplinary hearing at Wembley had made his position in the England squad “untenable.” He had been allowed to continue playing despite being stripped of the England captaincy.

“I don’t see how we’ve made (his position) untenable, they’re two very separate processes,” FA General Secretary Alex Horne said. “It’s something that happened in a match — it shouldn’t be taking a year to resolve.”

The FA separately thanked Terry for his contribution to the team in the nine years since making his international debut.

“I’d like to thank John Terry for his commitment to the England team since I became manager,” England manager Roy Hodgson said Monday. “I am of course disappointed to lose a player of John’s international experience and exceptional ability.

“I have enjoyed a good relationship with John during my time as England manager and I reluctantly accept his decision. I can also confirm that he had the courtesy to call me prior to announcing his retirement from the England team. I’d like to wish John well for the future with Chelsea.”