Hodgson´s support of Terry surprises Taylor

15 August 2012 18:15

Former England manager Graham Taylor has revealed he was surprised by Roy Hodgson's public support of John Terry.

The Chelsea defender has been cleared in court of allegedly using racially abusive language towards Anton Ferdinand of QPR, but the FA have re-launched their own investigation into the incident.

Hodgson, who has already insisted Terry's international career is not over, has now indicated he hopes the Blues man will be cleared once more, despite the new inquiry being held by his employers.

Taylor admitted he was shocked by the former West Brom manager's decision to talk openly about the case, saying Hodgson should not have commented until a conclusion is found.

"I was surprised that Roy said that," Taylor told the BBC.

"He shouldn't be getting involved in any comment on that until a decision (by the FA) has been made. I don't think it was a good thing for him."

The England coach has also come under criticism from awareness group Football Against Racism due to his support of Terry.

Piara Powar, executive director of the organisation, was unhappy that Hodgson, who works for the FA, spoke in favour of a party concerned by an ongoing investigation, suggesting it brings the governing body's impartiality into question.

Powar said: "Hodgson's comments on Terry are foolish. It is not helpful to the process the FA has undertaken in any way.

"The England manager is employed by the FA, who have a dual role in running the national team and being the governing body. Whatever support Roy Hodgson wants to give to a member of his squad, he also has to remember the FA's wider role.

"For the England coach to go public with his view like this calls into question that dual function."