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John Terry faces Anton Ferdinand racism trial after Euro finals | |
(40 minutes later) | |
England football captain John Terry will stand trial for alleged racist abuse in July, after the final of the European Championship in July. | |
The Chelsea skipper is alleged to have made racist comments towards Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in a league match on 23 October 2011. | |
A not guilty plea was entered on Mr Terry's behalf at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. | |
He will now stand trial on 9 July, nine days after Euro 2012. | |
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said Mr Terry, 31, is accused of a racially-aggravated public order offence. | |
'Never abused' | |
Following Wednesday's hearing, the footballer's legal team said in a statement: "Mr Terry looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name. | |
"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.'' | |
Police questioned Mr Terry under caution in November and a file on the matter was sent to the CPS at the beginning of December. | Police questioned Mr Terry under caution in November and a file on the matter was sent to the CPS at the beginning of December. |
The decision to charge Mr Terry was taken after police received a complaint from a member of the public after the Premier League match at Loftus Road. | The decision to charge Mr Terry was taken after police received a complaint from a member of the public after the Premier League match at Loftus Road. |
The maximum sentence for the offence is a fine of £2,500. | The maximum sentence for the offence is a fine of £2,500. |
As a summary offence under the Crime and Disorder Act, it will be fully heard in a magistrates' court. | As a summary offence under the Crime and Disorder Act, it will be fully heard in a magistrates' court. |