Terry fined for Poll outburst
Tuesday, 09 Jan 2007 23:05
John Terry has been hit with a heavy fine for his criticism of Poll
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Chelsea defender John Terry has been punished with a £10,000 fine by the FA after admitting to a charge of improper conduct over comments he made about referee Graham Poll.
The England captain alleged that the Tring-based official had given two separate and contradictory explanations for his dismissal in the Blues' 2-1 defeat to Tottenham in November.
Poll had denied the allegations and was cleared of any wrong-doing by the FA in a previous investigation.
Terry had initially refuted the charge brought against him and requested a personal hearing from the governing body's disciplinary commission, but changed his appeal at the last minute.
"We were extremely disappointed the integrity of Poll was questioned. We note the late admission to the charge and the excellent previous disciplinary record of John Terry," a statement from the commission read.
"But we are also disappointed that no public apology had been forthcoming for his admitted improper conduct."
The champions' recent stuttering form has coincided with Terry's absence with a back injury and manager Jose Mourinho will be pleased that his skipper has avoided picking up any ban.