Capello opposes FA Terry decision

England coach Fabio Capello says he disagrees with the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the national team's captaincy.

Terry, 31, was removed as captain pending his trial in July over alleged racial abuse of QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

Capello told Italy's state broadcaster RAI he "absolutely" does not agree with FA chairman David Bernstein's decision.

"I thought it was right that Terry should keep the captain's armband," said the 65-year-old Italian.

Capello indicated that he did not believe someone should be punished by sporting authorities before a court had reached a verdict.

Terry, who first lost the England captaincy in February 2010 following allegations about his private life, has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.

Capello is free to select the Chelsea defender for the Netherlands friendly in February and the European Championship in the summer.

The FA declined to comment on Capello's remarks, but former chief executive David Davies said that they would not be a surprise to his bosses.

"My understanding is that when it was discussed with Fabio Capello, who last week was in Italy, he made it clear to the chairman of the FA that was his view," Davies told the BBC.

"Having said that, the reality is that the board of the FA had taken the decision that they had and life has gone on.

Dec 2007 Appointed England coach Feb 2008 Wins first game in charge - 2-1 against Switzerland at Wembley Sept 2009 Secures place at 2010 World Cup with 5-1 win over Croatia May 2010 Puts his name to an online player rating system but the project is shelved shortly afterwards June 2010 England crash out of World Cup after 4-1 defeat to Germany Oct 2011 England qualify for Euro 2012 with 2-2 draw in Montenegro although Wayne Rooney is sent off "He clearly wants to support John Terry, a guy who Fabio appointed twice to this very special job.

"He probably also wants to prevent John Terry walking away from international football altogether."

Capello, who became England coach in December 2007, is reportedly due at Wembley on Monday to speak to Bernstein.

The former Italian international midfielder, who earns a £6m a year, is due to stand down when his contract runs out after Euro 2012.

Meanwhile, Capello must decide who takes over from Terry as captain, Anton's brother Rio Ferdinand having already said that he does not want the role.

Central defender Rio was briefly captain after Terry first lost the armband two years ago, but Capello turned back to the Chelsea captain in March 2011.

Italian football journalist Gabrielle Marcotti says there is confusion over the FA's position.

"This thing where you can play for your country but can't wear the captain's armband comes across as a bit of a fudge," he told the BBC.

Meanwhile, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is flattered to be linked with the captaincy, but believes there are more obvious candidates for the role.

"There are a lot stronger candidates than me," said the 24-year-old.

"I don't have a view on who should be captain. As long as I'm playing I don't care."