John Terry has been cleared of racism after his trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Fellow footballer Anton Ferdinand, 27, had accused the Chelsea star of calling him a 'f***ing black c***' during a Premier League match in October.
John has always strongly denied the claims and told the court that he merely repeated what the Queens Park Ranger soccer player had told him he'd heard him say.
Today, after a week-long trial, Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle announced that evidence showed John is not a racist and he found him not guilty. The 31-year-old is married to WAG Toni Poole. Footballer John Terry has been cleared of charges of racism, being found not guilty in his trial at Westminster Magistrate's Court in London earlier today. (July 13)
The Chelsea and England defender was acquitted of the charges that centred on an incident last October during a Premiere league match between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers.
The 31 year-old was accused of calling Anton Ferdinand, 27 a “f***ing black c***” during the match. Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle announced that he had been found not guilty after a week long trial where both Terry and Ferdinand gave evidence.
On giving his verdict Mr Riddle said according to Cover Media: “There is no doubt that John Terry uttered the words 'f****** black c***' at Anton Ferdinand.
"When he did so he was angry. Mr Ferdinand says that he did not precipitate this comment by himself, accusing Mr Terry of calling him a black c***.
"Even with all the help the court has received from television footage, expert lip readers, witnesses and indeed counsel, it is impossible to be sure exactly what were the words spoken by Mr Terry at the relevant time. It is impossible to be sure exactly what was said to him at the relevant time by Mr Ferdinand."
Speaking after the verdict Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London said: "The very serious allegation at the heart of this case was one of racial abuse.
"It was our view that this was not 'banter' on the football pitch and that the allegation should be judged by a court.
"The Chief Magistrate agreed that Mr Terry had a case to answer, but having heard all of the evidence he acquitted Mr Terry of a racially aggravated offence. That is justice being done and we respect the Chief Magistrate's decision."
John Terry Arrives At Court For Racism Trial
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