John Terry is the Worst Role Model, According to Poll of Young England Fans
London, UK, 2nd June 2010 - Former England captain and Chelsea double winner John Terry was the worst footballing role model last season, according to a poll of 7-13 year olds users of kids football game Footee.com - who would also have liked to see him dropped from the squad for South Africa. John Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy following an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend, topped the Footee.com poll because of his off-pitch antics.
The survey asked young football fans - members of Footee - which footballer has been the worst role model of the 2009/10 season, and why. More than one in three said John Terry was the least responsible, with the most common reasons sited being ‘cheating on his wife’ and ‘letting down his fans’.
England’s young football fans were also quick to suggest that his reported action should have resulted in him not making the plane to South Africa. “John Terry is a bad role model because he cheated on his wife. He should miss the World Cup as punishment!” was one response. Another fan said “John Terry is good at football but he cheated, so I don’t think you can’t trust him in the team.”
Terry polled more than double the votes of his Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba, who came second, with his on-pitch tantrums and perceived knack for diving sited by the respondents. Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was chosen as the most popular player of the season, beating Barcelona’s Lionel Messi into second place.
“Football is great for teaching children the value of teamwork as well as healthy living,” said Phil Clegg, founder of Footee.com. “At the same time, it’s really important that professional players remember that they’re huge role models for youngsters off the pitch as well as on the pitch.”
Footee.com is an educational social network and fantasy football manager game for football fans aged 7-13. Created by MotivatEd, the site is supported by FA Learning, the FA body linking football to education.
