John Terry: Do Charges Prove FA Serious About Stamping out Racism?

Just one day after the FA handed down an eight-match ban to Liverpool star and Uruguayan international Luis Suarez, the Crown Prosecution Service is set to take Chelsea and England captain John Terry to trial.

The West London superstar is facing charges of racial abuse against Queen's Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match at Loftus Road on October 23rd.

According to Martin Lipton's report on Mirror Football:

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"A CPS spokesperson said: 'I have today advised the Metropolitan Police Service that John Terry should be prosecuted for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments allegedly made during a Premier League football match between Queen’s Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October 2011.

The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and after careful consideration of all the evidence I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case.

Mr Terry will appear before West London Magistrates’ Court on 1 February 2012.'"

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The prosecution recently came into possession of video footage they believe will back their case against Terry. The 31-year-old has been a fixture in the English football world since the turn of the century and took over Three Lions' captaincy from David Beckham in 2006.

Racism is nothing new to the world of football. But in England in particular, these are the most serious cases we've seen in some time. England has made big strides since the 1980s when things often got out of hand.

The FA's thorough investigations and involvement in both the Suarez and Terry cases is a sign that they are damn serious about stopping player-on-player racial abuse.

And, if we are looking at the big picture, England is hardly the worst when it comes to such things. FIFA chief Sepp Blatter even suggested that players "shake hands" when it comes to on-field incidents.

Not surprisingly, England was at the top of the list crying out for Blatter to step down following his remarks.

Add in the current stance the FA is taking against two marquee players and it is safe to say that they are serious about putting an end to racism on the pitch.

If anything, FIFA and UEFA need to take a stronger stance similar to the one the FA has moved forward with.

Whatever comes of the Terry case, the FA has done their part.