Terry trial heads to day five

Chelsea captain John Terry’s trial over alleged racial abuse towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand will continue for a fifth day.

The case was adjourned on Thursday following closing statements from the prosecution and defence, with prosecutor Duncan Penny stating that Terry used ‘straightforward racial abuse’, rather than sarcastically repeating a slur.

Terry is accused of racially abusing in a Premier League match between Chelsea and QPR at Loftus Road lastOctober, an allegation the former England captain denies.

“If it’s rhetorical repetition, why does the word ‘and’ feature at all? Why are any other words spoken by Mr Terry at all, beyond a black ****?,” Mr. Penny asked.

Speaking for the defence, George Carter-Stephenson QC said the prosecution case was based on speculation.

“This is not a case about racism. The prosecution in cross-examination conceded that he is not a racist,” Carter-Stephenson said.

“There is an abundance of evidence in this case to prove that fact.

“The way that this case is put is that on this occasion Mr Terry completely lost his cool and made an inappropriate remark making reference to a physical characteristic of Mr. Ferdinand, namely his colour, in response to words conceded to have been repeated taunts and insults referring to his alleged affair with Mr. (Wayne) Bridge’s partner.”

Carter-Stephenson then told the court that there was no direct evidence about what Terry had said, other than the defender’s own account.

A verdict is expected on Friday.