John Terry was stripped of the England captaincy for the second time on Friday and a number of team-mates believe he should not be picked by Fabio Capello while allegations of racism persist.

The decision, taken by the 14 members of the FA board, was communicated first to Capello on Thursday night and then to
Terry at 10am on Friday in a call from FA chairman David Bernstein. The news was broken by Mail Online.

Terry faces trial on July 9, having been accused of a racially aggravated public-order offence against Anton Ferdinand.
Terry denies the charge, but the FA have decided it would be inappropriate to let the 31-year-old Chelsea defender lead England at this summer’s European Championship.

Taking off the armband: John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy for the second time in as many years
On a dramatic day…

It emerged England manager Capello was not consulted and does not agree with the decision.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand — brother of Anton and Terry’s predecessor as England captain — ruled himself out of contention to be the new skipper.

Capello began deliberating over Terry’s replacement, with his options limited. Gareth Barry and Scott Parker are among the leading contenders.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas backed Terry and said he would remain Chelsea captain.

Losing the England armband has left the defender considering retirement from international football, and Sportsmail understands Terry was made aware a number of his black England team-mates had an issue with him — over his clash with
Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road on October 23 — during their last get-together.

On Friday, former Fulham striker Leroy Rosenior became the latest black football figure to speak out against Terry — joining Jason Roberts and Emmanuel Frimpong.

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