FA charge Terry over race row

Chelsea captain John Terry has been charged by the Football Association for allegedly using racist language toward Anton Ferdinand last year.

Terry was cleared in court of racially abusing the QPR defender during an October 23 Premier League match at Loftus Road but has been hit with the new charge after the FA sought advice from an external Independent QC.

The FA said in a statement on Friday: “Chelsea captain John Terry has been charged by the Football Association with using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand, the FA have confirmed.

“It is further alleged that this included a reference to the ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race of Ferdinand.”

Terry immediately denied the charge.

“I deny the charge and I will be requesting the opportunity to attend the commission for a personal hearing,” the England international said via statement.

The FA, who stripped Terry of the England captaincy in February, were quick to clarify that their investigation was held separately from the outcome of the trial that finished a fortnight ago and would relate to ‘rules governing football only’.