Chelsea and England captain John Terry will face charges over allegations he racially abused another player.
The player will appear in court on February 1 following the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London said:
“I have today advised the Metropolitan Police Service that John Terry should be prosecuted for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments allegedly made during a Premier League football match between Queen’s Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October 2011.
“The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and after careful consideration of all the evidence I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case.”
Videos of the alleged incident were circulated online and last week the CPS were handed previously unseen footage.
The Chelsea star has always denied making a racist comment to QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.
Reacting to the CPS statement he said:
“I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible.
“I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends.
“I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society.”
Ahead of the CPS decision Terry’s manager Andre Villas-Boas said the defender had his “full support” of both himself and the Chelsea club.
n a statement, Terry’s club said:
“Chelsea FC has always been fully supportive of John in this matter and will continue to be so.
“The club finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent and we are proud of the work we undertake campaigning on this important issue.”
If convicted, the multimillionaire would face a fine of around £2,500.
Sky