Pearce critical of Terry "witch hunt"
Pearce called Terry a "fantastic captain"
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 03, Feb 2010 03:26
By Will Haine.
England under-21 boss Stuart Pearce has given his backing to under fire John Terry, calling the furore surrounding his private life a "witch hunt".
Pearce, also a member of Fabio Capello's coaching staff, called Terry "a fantastic captain" in light of allegations that he had an extra-marital affair with the ex-girlfriend of England team-mate Wayne Bridge.
The former Manchester City manager also believes that the final decision on Terry's suitability as England captain should be left to Capello, who is due to meet with the Chelsea skipper later this week.
"I couldn't see anyone else going above Fabio and making statements or decisions in respect to who captains the side above Fabio, I can't see that happening," Pearce told Sky Sports.
"I think the last decision should always be the manager's decision on whatever goes on."
The story itself has gained a remarkable amount of column inches over the last week after Terry, 29, had originally sought a high court injunction to prevent the details being leaked by the press.
And Pearce thinks that the defender and his family are entitled to their privacy: "The one thing I would say is John Terry is a fantastic captain, in footballing terms on and off the pitch I think he is a selfless professional and his form is fantastic for his country.
"So I'm not a big lover of witch hunts of people which I'm afraid our country tends to follow a little bit these days.
"The bottom line is John, his family and everyone concerned in the matter - it's a matter for those people and not the likes of other people who haven't got a vested interest in what goes on."