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John Terry racism trial: Verdict due in Ferdinand case John Terry cleared of racism against Anton Ferdinand
(about 3 hours later)
A verdict is expected later in the racism trial of former England captain John Terry. Ex-England captain John Terry has been cleared of racially abusing fellow footballer Anton Ferdinand.
Mr Terry has been at Westminster Magistrates' Court facing allegations he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand. They exchanged insults during a Premier League match. The Chelsea and England defender had denied making the comments to the Queen Park Rangers player during a match at Loftus Road last October.
The 31-year-old Chelsea captain denies a racially-aggravated public order offence. The 31-year-old told Westminster Magistrates' Court that he had repeated what he thought Mr Ferdinand had said to him as the pair traded insults.
If guilty, the maximum sentence Mr Terry could face is a £2,500 fine. Mr Terry had described himself as "angry and upset" over the claims.
It is alleged he insulted Mr Ferdinand in a match between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, describing him as "black" and employing extreme sexual swear words. It was alleged he had insulted Mr Ferdinand in a match between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, describing him as "black" and using extreme sexual swear words.
Lip reader and sign language interpreter Susan Whitewood concurred the language had been used. But Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle said he had heard a great deal of evidence to show Mr Terry was not a racist.
Mr Terry's defence was that he was repeating what Anton Ferdinand had incorrectly accused him of saying.
Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle is expected to give his verdict this afternoon.
Mr Ferdinand earlier told the court: "When someone brings your colour into it, it takes it to another level and it's very hurtful."
Mr Terry has described himself as "angry and upset" over the claims.