Chelsea captain John Terry has been voted as the worst footballing role model last season in a poll by football game website Footee.com, which is aimed at 7-13 year-olds.
Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy following an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend, topped the survey because of his off-pitch antics.
Young England supporters were also quick to suggest that his reported action should have resulted in him not making the plane to this summer's World Cup in 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 team-mate Didier Drogba, who came second, with his on-pitch tantrums and perceived knack for diving cited by the respondents.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was chosen as the most popular player of the season, beating Barcelona star 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."
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Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy following an alleged affair with Wayne Bridge’s ex-girlfriend, topped the survey because of his off-pitch antics.
More than one in three said the 29-year-old was the least responsible, with the most common reasons sited being "cheating on his wife" and "letting down his fans".
Young England supporters were also quick to suggest that his reported action should have resulted in him not making the plane to this summer's World Cup in 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 team-mate Didier Drogba, who came second, with his on-pitch tantrums and perceived knack for diving cited by the respondents.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was chosen as the most popular player of the season, beating Barcelona star 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."
Related links:
Personal
Also see:
