Terry won’t appeal four-match ban

LONDON, England   ●  Chelsea defender John Terry said on Thursday that he had decided not to appeal against a four-match ban and fine of 270,000 euro for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

The former England captain was handed a ban by the Football Association (FA) in September despite being cleared of racism charges in a court of law earlier in the year.

Terry said in a statement: “After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment.”

“I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game against Queens Park Rangers last October.

“Although I’m disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life.”

He added: “As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position.”

“My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again.”

He added that he would “continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football.”

After it was clear Terry was not going to appeal his punishment Chelsea moved quickly to display that they too do not condone Terry’s actions and will punish the defender as well.

Chelsea have kept details of the punishment confidential, but they made it clear that Terry – as club captain – has fallen short of expectations.

An official statement read: “Chelsea Football Club believes John Terry has made the correct decision by not appealing against the FA judgment relating to language he used at the QPR match last October.

“Chelsea also appreciates, and supports, John’s full apology for the language he used. The club firmly believes such language is not acceptable and fell below the standards expected of John as a Chelsea player.

“The board has conducted its own investigation into the matter, and considered the various issues involved. The board has taken further disciplinary action in addition to the four-match suspension and £220,000 fine imposed by the FA. In accordance with our long-standing policy, that disciplinary action will remain confidential.

“Chelsea enjoys support all over the world. We have players and supporters from many different countries and cultures and our club is committed to eradicating all forms of discriminatory behaviour. John is fully committed to continue supporting that ongoing work.

“The FA suspension means John will be not be available to play in our games against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United in the Premier League and League Cup, and Swansea.”