John Terry: Proud leader or embarrassment?

Outspoken football pundit Robbie Savage described Terry as 'the kid at somebody else's birthday party who blows out all the candles', after his prominent part in the Champions League victory celebrations.

Was he right or wrong? Here are two opposing views...

John Terry deserves his moment of celebration

Has any English player, save Wayne Rooney, taken any more flak over the past five years than John Terry? Of course most of his problems have been self-inflicted, but that does not alleviate the high-pressure environment in which he lives.

His every move is picked apart by the papers, his private life scrutinised, this was a moment of joy amongst all the worry, one for him to enjoy like no other, why shouldn't he?

It is also the pinnacle of his career, regardless of the fact he did not play the game. There is a reason 25 men squads are demanded by UEFA prior to the tournament, and that is so that all the players can participate.

It is not just this season, Terry has played a prominent part in Chelsea's quest for the trophy over the past decade. Why should he ignore the fact he has been a huge part of it?

He has also carried the guilt of Chelsea's 2008 failure, when he missed his penalty which would have won the club the trophy.

Now he can be happy that the burden of that failure will not hurt as badly, the club have the trophy which has eluded them, and while he didn't help them take the final steps, he helped them get there, and helped make the club what it is.

John Terry is 2012's David May

Just like David May in 1999, John Terry had no right crashing his team's victory celebrations. The tough work was done without him.

Terry was a liability to Chelsea at the Nou Camp, leaving them high and dry when he was sent off, and their success since has been despite him.

Contrast the suspended captain to another figure from Manchester United's 1999, Roy Keane, who stayed in his suit and let him team mates savour the big moment.

Did Terry maintain the same dignity? No he rushed to get changed into full kit, complete with socks and shinpads.

Even back in England on the victory parade, he did not have the grace to slink into the background, taking up position at the front of the bus with his medal round his neck.

Surely too, with the racial abuse allegations hanging over him, he would choose to keep a low profile?

He has become a laughing stock for many, with viral images doing the rounds depicting Terry in the 1966 World Cup Winners photo and many others.

This was a chance for him to show some class, and let his teammates enjoy their moment, which they have earned more than he, without taking their spotlight away.

Where do you stand? Give us your views and vote in our poll...

image: © Julian Mason