John Terry to face criminal charges over alleged racist abuse
Baku, December 22 (AZERTAC). John Terry will fight "tooth and nail" to clear his name after the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed its intention to prosecute the England captain over an alleged racist slur made towards the Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
The Chelsea centre-half, who denies any wrongdoing, will appear before West London magistrates' court on 1 February charged with a racially aggravated public order offence made during an altercation with Ferdinand in the derby with QPR at Loftus Road on 23 October.
The 31-year-old's club manager, André Villas-Boas, has reiterated that he will benefit from Chelsea's full support, with Terry set to start Thursday's Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspur.
"I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible," Terry said. "I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends. I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society."
Terry was caught on camera confronting Ferdinand six minutes from time in Chelsea's 1-0 defeat. The Football Association initiated an inquiry into the incident following a complaint from QPR, with the Metropolitan police following suit in response to an emailed complaint from a member of the public.
Villas-Boas said Terry, who was reappointed as England's captain earlier this year, will be able to handle the pressure of playing at White Hart Lane. "He has my full support, and the club's full support," the Portuguese said. "He represents this club to a maximum level and we're very grateful to have a player of his quality in our team, in what he represents in terms of history and achievements within the club. We know exactly his human values and his personality. For me they are never in doubt, so I will support him whatever the outcome."
The FA, whose own inquiry into the incident has been put on hold until the conclusion of the criminal investigation, has yet to comment on the issue, though Chelsea added in a statement: "The club finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent and we are proud of the work we undertake campaigning on this important issue."
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