Chelsea back captain Terry for 'helping to fix training ground visit for £10,000'

20 December 2009 18:33
Under scrutiny: John Terry[LNB]Chelsea have defended captain John Terry after allegations that he tooksecret cash payments to lay on a behind-the- scenes tour of the club'straining ground.[LNB]But the Barclays Premier League leaders admitted they would be beefing up security after the revelations in a Sunday newspaper.[LNB]It is alleged that the England skipper arranged the backstage visitby an undercover reporter without permission from manager CarloAncelotti. [LNB]But a Chelsea spokesman said: 'Chelsea FC host a large number ofvisitors at the training ground throughout the year, the majority ofwhich are made up of club sponsors, our charity partners andsupporters.[LNB]'The players play a big part in these visits and John Terrynaturally has a leading role, hosting a significant number of childrenand their families this season through our partner charities "Help ALondon Child" and "Right To Play".[LNB]"John has also organised a number of visits for families with sick children as a result of personal correspondence.[LNB]"Contrary to media reports and the appearance of edited video thismorning the club is confident that at no time did Terry ask for oraccept money in relation to visits to the training ground.'[LNB] [LNB]The News of the World claimed that £160,000-a-week Terry took a£10,000 payment, £8,000 of which he wanted to go to the 'Make A Wish'charity for children with the other £2,000 going to a middleman.[LNB]Chelsea, however, deny any wrongdoing and say they will be stepping up security procedures.[LNB]The statement added: "Chelsea FC gives our players room to exercisetheir own discretion when contacted personally with regard to visitsand the club keeps security and access to the training ground atStamford Bridge under constant review.[LNB]"However, as a result of the security breach highlighted bytoday's article we will be further reviewing access to our facilitiesand clamping down where there are gaps in the process."[LNB] Hot water: Chelsea have defended their skipper[LNB]Terry was caught on film seeming to suggest that he could be in hot water if his employers found out he was providing access to the Blues' Cobham facility. The 29-year-old seemed to agree to further tours, provided no one blabbed. [LNB]Sitting alongside the Chelsea skipper in the training ground canteen was Tony Bruce, a man said to be a ticket tout who was acting as the middle man in the deal.[LNB]Bruce, 58, took the £10,000 cash payment, which had been placed in a folder by the reporter. [LNB]'If the club finds out, it's a little bit...' Terry told the reporter. 'If anyone finds out, then we can't do it no more.'[LNB]The episode provides further embarrassment for the player Fabio Capello controversially chose to lead England.[LNB]There was embarrassment last month when Sportsmail revealed that PR company Riviera Entertainment were touting access to Terry for product endorsements, playing on his role as a captain for both club and country in the run-up to next summer's World Cup finals.[LNB]However, Terry tried to quell the controversy by insisting he had no knowledge of, and had not given permission for, the promotional email.[LNB] Pressure on Ancelotti with Hiddink set for new year Stamford Bridge returnChelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan in battle for Anderlecht wonderkid LukakuGARY LINEKER: Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani... possibly the worst £20m ever spent on a playerCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail