England soccer captain Terry faces racism charges

English footballer John Terry will face criminal charges for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a match in October this year. Terry, who claims to be innocent, will appear before West London magistrates’ court on 1 February 2012, according to a report in The Guardian. The Chelsea defender, 30, has strongly denied allegations he had aimed abuse at Ferdinand, the younger brother of his long-time international team mate Rio. [caption id=“attachment_162398” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Taking a wrong shot. Getty Images”]  [/caption] “A 30-year-old man was interviewed under caution on Friday, 25 November, he was not arrested,” said a spokesman for London’s Metropolitan Police, a Firstpost story reported on 29 November . “It relates to an inquiry (into an incident) that allegedly took place on Sunday, 23 October involving alleged racial abuse.” An incident involving the two players was widely publicised after footage was shown on the Internet and an anonymous complaint was made to the police. The Football Association (FA) is also looking into the claims. Terry has said the incident, which came during QPR’s 1-0 win, was a misunderstanding. A BBC report quoted John Terry's response ,“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.”