In the midst of Chelsea's Champions League ecstasy on Tuesday, one can only wonder at the thoughts going through the mind of their disgraced skipper John Terry.
A gallant 2-2 draw against Barcelona in the Nou Camp gave Chelsea a 3-2 aggregate victory and a place in the final for another crack at Europe's most prestigious club trophy after the heartbreaking 2008 loss to Manchester United on a rainy night in Moscow when Terry missed a potentially match-winning penalty.
The influential central defender has always vowed to make up for that shattering experience but an act of folly means he will be a mere cheerleader in Munich next month when Chelsea take on either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid.
His instant red card for a ludicrous knee in the back of Barca striker Alexis Sanchez after 37 minutes, just after Sergio Busquets had put Barca in front and with central defensive partner Gary Cahill off injured, should have been curtains for his side's hopes.
As it was, a steely rearguard action from the 10 Chelsea players left on the pitch spared Terry from again taking the blame for another night of Chelsea heartache.
"On a personal note, of course I'm disappointed but believe me this football club deserves to be in the Champions League final," said Terry, who initially tried to excuse himself but later admitted he deserved a red card.
"We've had a little bit of luck along the way in the competition and long may it continue, but I hope the incident doesn't take away from how well the lads played.
"I've apologised to (the players)and I want to apologise to all the Chelsea fans as well."
Such is Terry's stock at Chelsea, for whom he has made more than 540 appearances, that the fans will not castigate their captain who may have squandered his last chance to play in a second Champions League final.
He has proved many times how well he copes with adversity but this season has tested his mental fortitude to the full.
In October he was accused by Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand, brother of England colleague Rio, of racial abuse during a Premier League game.
Terry denies the charge but will go on trial in July and many are questioning his role in England's Euro 2012 squad.
In February he was stripped of the England captaincy by the FA who said the impending trial so close to the tournament in Poland and Ukraine would make it hard for him to hold down a role that brings such responsibility.
It was the second time Terry had been relieved of the England armband, the other occasion coming in 2010 after allegations of an extra-marital affair with the former girlfriend of a fellow England international.
The controversy over the racism allegations also left England without a manager after Fabio Capello apparently quit because he disagreed with the FA's stance on the matter.
Terry's performances on the pitch, despite knee surgery this season and two recent cracked ribs, have stood up well.
Yet, despite his pre-match rallying call for calm heads and discipline in the face of the expected Barcelona onslaught, Terry let himself down in spectacular fashion and will find sympathy for missing the final in short supply.
"At this level of football I don't think I've seen anything as stupid, it's the most unbelievable thing I've seen in my life," said former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp, who was part of the Sky Sports commentary team.
Comment 1 - 8 of 8
Jt is one fool that know how to manipulate the fans to his advantage. I think it will pay him more if he try to be a good person, instead of relying of on his grip on both english and chelsea fan to see him through every one of his mischiefs.
John Terry is a wiley old fox. Something was done or said that got right under his skin i think.
Glad Terry's utter stupidity didn't ruin the game. He's gotten what he deserved and will not feature in what could be the biggest game of his life - something he's obviously worked damn hard for. He blew it for himself but at least no one else , bar him, will pay for his stupidity.
Terry should never be picked for England again, Chelsea should think again,
Chelsea supporter for 35 years John Terry can jog on
Ferdinand did not accuse Terry of anything, it was Terry who was stupid enough to send his little boyfriend Cole to try and kiss and make up with Ferdinand who knew nothing of what had happened. Terry is classless, he has been on borrowed time for the past two years I do not know why he is still playing although I believe he is such a bully in the dressing room along with Lampard that even the temp coach is sucking up to him. FIFA will not overturn the card or the yellows issued to the others. By the way I am so glad that Barcelona at least tried to entertain the crowd by going for goals and on closing I think to win anything major you always need a little bit of luck, I am thinking Chelsea used all of theirs up in the two games with Barcelona. Real Madrid will stick it to them in the final, come on Jose.
About par for the course for John Terry who's initial reaction was to lie about it until he saw the replays and realised that that ploy wouldn't work, just a lying scumbag who urinatesd on the floor of the bar rather than use the toilet, that incident alone shows what a despicable, objectionable excuse for a man John Terry is, odiouse cretin.
Terry is a classless over rated over paid over the hill flop.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account