Terry found not guilty of racism charges

Chelsea captain John Terry has been declared not guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, from Queens Park Rangers, following a five-day trial at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Terry had been accused of making racial comments to Ferdinand, during a Premier League match at Loftus Road, last October.

However he was released from such accusations, after a court decided that the England international is not guilty of such charges.

“The issue for the court is not to decide whether Mr Terry is a racist - I have received unchallenged evidence he is not,” Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle said, while delivering the verdict.

“The issue is whether Mr Terry uttered the words as an insult.”

“The only verdict the court can record is Not Guilty.”

“Even with all the help received, it is impossible to be sure exactly what were the words spoken by John Terry at the relevant time.”

“It is a crucial fact that nobody has given evidence about what Mr Terry said or how he said it.”

On the other hand, Anton Ferdinand was described as a “brave” witness in the entire process.

“Overall I found Anton Ferdinand to be a believable witness on the central issue,” he added.

The Chelsea defender, who was stripped of the England captaincy due to this affair, did not speak a word, as he left the court, but the Blues chairman did make some declarations.

“Chelsea football club notes that of course we respect the  decision of the magistrate today,” he said.

“We are pleased that John can now put his mind to football and go back to training and do what he has done for many years.”

John Terry John George Terry  England 1980-12-07 (32 years) Defense 84 kg 187 cm See player profile>

21 photos