Football Against Racism's executive director Piara Power believes that England manager Roy Hodgson was "foolish" to express his backing of Chelsea captain John Terry.

The 65-year-old, who will take charge of the Three Lions' international friendly against Italy tonight, stated that he hopes the centre-back will be cleared of any disciplinary action from the Football Association for allegedly racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand back in October.

"Hodgson's comments on Terry are foolish," said Powar. "It is not helpful to the process the FA has undertaken in any way.

"The England manager is employed by the FA, who have a dual role in running the national team and being the governing body.

"Whatever support Roy Hodgson wants to give to a member of his squad, he also has to remember the FA's wider role. For the England coach to go public with his view like this calls into question that dual function."

Terry was acquitted of a racially-aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates' Court last month.