Chelsea close ranks as John Terry faces backlash

John Terry and his Chelsea team head to Arsenal on Saturday knowing a chorus of disdain awaits them. Captain and club are under sustained criticism in the wake of Terry being found guilty by an Independent Regulatory Commission of making a racist remark to QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

A siege mentality grips Chelsea. "We don't really care too much about the way the outside environment sees us,'' said their manager Roberto Di Matteo. "We have to set good standards, I try to set good standards, but, at the end of the day, we won't be liked by opposition fans. So we cannot waste too much energy worrying about what they're thinking.

"We are European champions. Whether people respect that or not, it's a fact.

"I know how hard we worked to get the result and how much effort we put into it. Everybody. And we've been repaid with the trophy."

Since Terry was first accused of making an offensive comment at Loftus Road on Oct 23, 2011, Chelsea have won the FA Cup, the Champions League and now lead the Premier League. "I don't think it's unsettled the team,'' replied Di Matteo. "We had a very successful time during the whole process."

Yet the club are inevitably deeply sensitive about the Terry issue and have strived hard to avoid the mistakes Liverpool made over Luis Suarez when the Uruguayan was accused of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra. During Di Matteo's press briefing at Cobham yesterday, a club official intervened repeatedly, saying: "We would not want to prejudice any potential appeal [by Terry]".

He ruled out questions to Di Matteo on the disciplinary process, whether Terry should have apologised to Ferdinand at the time, whether the 31 year-old could recover his reputation and whether the club's policy on life bans for fans who used racist language also applied to players.

Di Matteo still addressed many of the issues, confirming that Chelsea have a code of conduct for players and staff. "We do, yes,'' said Di Matteo. "They're all given a copy." He believed in giving people second chances. "Yes, I do.'' The Italian also argued that the FA's disciplinary process was needlessly long. "It has dragged on. Everybody would have liked it to have been a bit quicker. But if that's how long it has taken then we just have to accept it."

The Football Association waited until the criminal case had been heard in a magistrates' court (which was delayed by Chelsea and where Terry was ultimately acquitted in July) before charging the defender. Terry was banned for four games but can play today while deciding whether to appeal.

Chelsea are in an awkward position, wanting to defend their captain who was given such a supportive character reference by the chairman Bruce Buck in the magistrates' court. They are also mindful of their image. "Look at Chelsea's policy to discriminatory behaviour,'' said the Chelsea spokesman. "We have always given a strong message.''

Chelsea could dismiss Terry or compromise and simply remove the armband. Any club sanction would stir anger in large swathes of the Bridge terraces where Terry is revered but it is undoubtedly a huge embarrassment for the club.

A letter about the Kick It Out anti-racism organisation's week of action will be sent to Chelsea shortly (along with all other clubs), containing a message about why players should wear their Kick It Out T-shirts with pride. Chelsea are due to don theirs when warming up before their Premier League game against Rio Ferdinand's Manchester United on Oct 28. The photographers will be busy.

Terry could be suspended for that game if he elects not to appeal. But he is clearly determined to fight this and is desperate to start against

Arsenal amid that cacophony of derision. "He's played many difficult games before, in difficult circumstances and environments,'' said Di Matteo. "If selected, I don't think there will be a problem."

If selected, as expected, Terry will retain the armband. "There is no change," said Di Matteo.

Unwanted headlines seem to follow Terry around like an annoying stray mongrel. "Why is it always John?" Di Matteo was asked. "That's a good question to ask Mario Balotelli,'' he replied. "Why always me?" Cue the Baloterry headlines.

"All I can judge is his professionalism when he's here at the club and that's spot on,'' continued Di Matteo. "He's always one of the first in. He works hard, applies himself very well, and he's been a wonderful servant for this club, professionally. He's certainly showed over the years he puts his body on the line for the club and the team.''

Di Matteo handled the inquisition well, particularly enjoying the questioning turning to the game and whether if he went seven years without a trophy - like Arsene Wenger at Arsenal - would he still be at Chelsea. Di Matteo smiled. "What do you think?" No. "I think it's great that Arsene Wenger has been able to work so many years in a big club like

Arsenal, but they are two different kinds of models. I didn't say 'inferior'. Just different. Arsenal away is always a big challenge. But it will be for them, too. We are a good team, too."

Di Matteo added that he liked Theo Walcott, saying "he's a good player" while emphasising that the winger belonged to Arsenal. He noted that Robin van Persie's exit still presents a conundrum for those facing Arsenal. "It makes them more unpredictable because they can score from different players,'' said Di Matteo. "Lukas Podolski and Gervinho have been scoring goals. Cazorla's a very exciting player. They have players who are a threat.'' Terry could be busy.