Police investigate Ferdinand death threats

QPR’s Anton Ferdinand is the target of a death threat issued following claims that he was racially abused by John Terry.

The 26-year-old defender is receiving police advice following a letter delivered by hand to QPR’s Loftus Road ground last Friday.

The letter was reportedly so graphic that police told Ferdinand and other close relatives to take immediate precautions, and it is believed that some family members have installed panic alarms.

A police spokesman said: “We confirm we are investigating an allegation of malicious communication.”

The claims of racial abuse relate to the England captain’s comments towards the QPR defender during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road on October 23.

TV footage appeared to show Terry using a racial slur towards Ferdinand. However, the Chelsea skipper maintains he was trying to clarify whether his opponent thought he had abused him.

Police are investigating the claims, while the FA have received a statement from Anton, brother of Terry’s fellow England defender Rio Ferdinand, along with previously unseen footage from Sky Sports.

The FA will now attempt to establish what happened and whether any action should be taken against Terry.