John Terry calls on England and Wales fans to respect national anthems

Posted Tuesday, September 06, 2011 by theguardian.com

The England team will wear anti-racism wristbands during their Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales, with the captain, John Terry, calling on supporters of both nations to respect each other's anthems before kick-off.

England's black players were subjected to abusive chanting during their win in Bulgaria last Friday, prompting the FA to make a complaint to Uefa, while visiting supporters also sang songs about the locals' ethnicity and booed the Bulgarian national anthem. Terry said that wearing the Kick It Out wristbands was intended to show there is no place for racism in football.

"That's our message, to get it out there and showing we're behind the campaign," said Terry. "We were disappointed with [the chanting]. We must respect each other, during the national anthems as well. It's important England fans respect the Welsh national anthem and vice versa. I think we're very good like that in this country."

Fabio Capello, the England manager, also called for followers of both countries to help create a better atmosphere at Wembley, after the disruption of the anthems when the teams met in Wales.

"I am really against it. We need to fight against the racists," said Capello. "I think we need to respect the other countries. In Cardiff, I didn't like the boos and the shouts against the other country. For me as a manager and for the players it is very important – you're wearing the shirt and you're part of the country and you have to respect the other country."

The Wales manager Gary Speed said: "I wouldn't want our anthem booed and we don't want anyone else's booed." But he added: "Obviously, there's history there going back centuries and centuries. You like to respect the other team and their national anthem, but there's not a lot you can do about it."

Terry, meanwhile, backed his Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard to return for England, describing his contribution with England as "incredible". The defender added that the introduction of younger players into the set-up could only benefit the team.

"Write Frank Lampard off at your peril," Terry said. "I have known him an awful long time and he was disappointed about not starting but trained incredibly hard the day after and he remains one of the best players I have ever played with. Because of his age people tend to write him off but he is still in excellent form. His record for England has been incredible.

"It is a great mixture in the squad and I think Frank will rise to the occasion and will be back in the side very soon. We saw the other night Chris Smalling did well and Gary Cahill alongside me. Its not just Frank, we all feel pressure from the younger players for our places."