English Premiership
Terry: I'm no racist
2011-10-24 07:02
London - Chelsea captain John Terry on Sunday denied making a racist slur against Anton Ferdinand during his team's stormy 1-0 defeat at west London rivals QPR.
Terry hit back after videos appeared on the Internet with some claiming the footage showed him insulting Rangers defender Ferdinand.
But Terry categorically denied all charges of racism.
"I've seen that there's a lot of comments on the internet with regards to some video footage of me in Sunday's game," he said in a statement released.
"I'm disappointed that people have leapt to the wrong conclusions about the context of what I was seen to be saying to Anton Ferdinand.
"I thought Anton was accusing me of using a racist slur against him. I responded aggressively, saying that I never used that term. I would never say such a thing, and I'm saddened that people would think so.
"I have known Anton for a long time and spoke to him about it after the game and there was no problem between us.
"I congratulated him on their win. He has not accused me of any wrongful remark.
"It was clear it was all a misunderstanding at the time. After the result today, I am saddened to be dealing with these wrongful allegations.
"I am the proud captain of one of the most internationally diverse teams in the Premier League and I absolutely believe that there is no place for racism in sport and indeed in any walk of life."