John Terry stripped of England captaincy by FA The move comes after FA chairman David Bernstein spent yesterday canvassing opinion among board members following the adjournment until after the European Championship of Terry's trial for the alleged racial abuse of Anton Ferdinand. Bernstein is understood to have found a growing consensus that Terry's position as captain is untenable given the charges and the wider context of a season disturbed by racism controversies. The decision remains highly contentious, not least because of the criminal charges still outstanding, but would do a great deal to reassert the FA's moral authority as a governing body. Swift action was necessary however, with Terry scheduled to lead England in a friendly against Holland scheduled before the end of the month. And board members clearly felt that, for a number of reasons, Terry could not lead the side out at Wembley against the World Cup finalists. Bernstein is understood to have sought counsel from senior figures including Manchester United chief executive David Gill, his Bolton counterpart Phil Gartside, national game chairman Roger Burden and FA vice-chairman Barry Bright. Having seen its disciplinary arm impose a swingeing ban on Suárez, the FA leadership was open to charges of hypocrisy if it did not take action to address the invidious position in which the charges against Terry have placed them.