|
|
Chelsea's John Terry to stand trial for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand after Euro 2012 on July 9
The England captain did not attend the hearing, where his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, but the case will not be decided until after Poland and Ukraine
1 Feb 2012 11:11:00
By Joel Lamy
Chelsea and England captain John Terry will not face trial over alleged racial abuse to QPR defender Anton Ferdinand until after Euro 2012 on July 9.
The 31-year-old faces trial after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed their enough evidence to hand the defender a 'racially aggravated public order offence' over comments made during the Blues 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road in October.
Terry did not attend the hearing which took place at West London Magistrates’ Court, instead allowing his barrister George Carter-Stephenson QC to enter his not-guilty plea.
Speaking after today's hearing, Terry's lawyer said: "Terry has consistently & resolutely maintained [that] remarks were made in...belief that he was being accused of racist abuse.
"Mr. Terry denies making any racist statement and will establish in court that he is not guilty of any such offence.
"Mr. Terry has never racially abused another player in his entire career."
The row was sparked after video footage appeared online allegedly showing the centre-back using racially-motivated language towards the former Sunderland man, and Terry has since revealed his intention to fight 'tooth and nail' to prove his innocence.
If found guilty he could be fined £2,500 but the impact to his reputation would be far worse after he was only re-instated as captain of the national team in March last year after a series of allegations - most notably about a supposed affair with the ex-girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge – were put into the public sphere.
However, any charge would no longer affect England's plans for Euro 2012 with the final of the tournament taking place on July 1, more than week before Terry will stand trial.
Terry went up against Ferdinand again last Saturday but to avoid controversy the usual pre-match handshakes between the two sides was scrapped.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The 31-year-old faces trial after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed their enough evidence to hand the defender a 'racially aggravated public order offence' over comments made during the Blues 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road in October.
Terry did not attend the hearing which took place at West London Magistrates’ Court, instead allowing his barrister George Carter-Stephenson QC to enter his not-guilty plea.
Speaking after today's hearing, Terry's lawyer said: "Terry has consistently & resolutely maintained [that] remarks were made in...belief that he was being accused of racist abuse.
"Mr. Terry denies making any racist statement and will establish in court that he is not guilty of any such offence.
"Mr. Terry has never racially abused another player in his entire career."
The row was sparked after video footage appeared online allegedly showing the centre-back using racially-motivated language towards the former Sunderland man, and Terry has since revealed his intention to fight 'tooth and nail' to prove his innocence.
If found guilty he could be fined £2,500 but the impact to his reputation would be far worse after he was only re-instated as captain of the national team in March last year after a series of allegations - most notably about a supposed affair with the ex-girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge – were put into the public sphere.
However, any charge would no longer affect England's plans for Euro 2012 with the final of the tournament taking place on July 1, more than week before Terry will stand trial.
Terry went up against Ferdinand again last Saturday but to avoid controversy the usual pre-match handshakes between the two sides was scrapped.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Goal.com Poll
Poll runs from 1 Feb 2012 to 2 Feb 2012
Poll runs from 1 Feb 2012 to 2 Feb 2012
Should England still take John Terry to Euro 2012 in the summer?
Yes - he should be picked and continue as the country's captain
43.09%
No - he should not be representing England with this charge hanging over him
39.45%
Yes - he should go as a player but lose the captaincy
17.47%
14:16 BST -
Germany are on the move, heading to Gdansk. Don't believe me? Here's proof:
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
-
The Premier League targets in Euro 2012 Group A
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into a frenzy throughout this month's European Championships, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer
