I think this whole case is ridiculous. Not only has it taken prime importance in various news broadcasts over far more important issues, but has also been a big waste of money and court time.
Consider this, please:
If, for example, someone bumps into you or your missus in the street, nearly knocks you over, and then doesn't apologise but glowers at you, you are likely to angrily tell that person what you think of them. If that person looks....
....Fat, you will probably call them a fat slob.
....A chav, you will probably call them scum.
....Short, you will probably call them a short arsed twit.
....Thick, you will probably call them a stupid idiot.
....Old, you will probably call them a silly old git.
....Gay, you will probably call them a fecking poofta.
....Jewish, you will probably call them a yid.
....Black, you will probably call them a black so-and-so.
All you are doing is showing your anger by trying to insult them. You will automatically use words which reflect the person you are confronted with. It is better to let off steam by doing this than to swing a punch at them.
Using such terms doesn't mean you are a racist or a Nazi etc.
Regardless of whether you like John Terry or not he's clearly not a racist (someone who, in line with their beliefs, continually seeks to abuse a particular social group etc). A football pitch is an arena where there is much physical contact and often much perceived to be at stake in winning the game. Feelings run high.
There is a big difference between letting off steam by insulting someone and being racist. Are we not allowed to call each other names now?
