English FA in dock over Pearce
THE English Football Association were yesterday accused of hypocrisy over racism when they unveiled Stuart Pearce as temporary successor to Fabio Capello as manager.
England legend Pearce, known in his playing days as Psycho, once had to apologise to fellow international Paul Ince for alleged racist abuse – the very issue that led to Capello’s resignation.
The Italian quit on Wednesday over a dispute with his employers that was sparked by the board decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy while he awaits trial for a racially aggravated public order offence.
But Pearce’s clash with Ince in 1994 was resurrected at a press conference yesterday and it was also pointed out that the former Nottingham Forest defender’s brother Dennis has been a member of the extremerightwing party, BNP.
FA chairman David Bernstein said Pearce would be promoted from Under 21 duties to take the senior side for the friendly against Holland at Wembley later this month. But to the clear surprise of Bernstein and senior colleagues they were suddenly facing new questions.
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor was forced to intervene after the clash between Forest and Manchester United 18 years ago. At the time Taylor said: “Stuart regrets what he said. It was said in the heat of the moment.”
Adrian Bevington, the managing director of Club England, responding to questions about Pearce’s brother, said: “Stuart has made it clear in the past that he is not involved in his brother’s political beliefs.”
With regard to Ince, Bevington added: “I certainly can’t talk about the comment you’re raising there.”
Meanwhile, the FA have not ruled out the possibility of appointing two more England managers this year after asking Pearce to step in.
Harry Redknapp remains the clear favourite to be offered the job, possibly just for the European Championships if he wants to remain Spurs boss next season.
But Bernstein said the FA were open to the idea of appointing a manager for this summer’s European Championship and one who then starts with the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.
“I would say that is a possibility,” said Bernstein. “We are not prepared to restrict ourselves at this stage. He might be English, he might be British, he might not be, he might be for the Euros only, he might be long-term. We need to look at all the options.” – Daily Mail.