England captain John Terry has been charged with racially abusing an opponent by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The defender is alleged to have abused Queens Park Ranger’s defender Anton Ferdinand, the brother of Terry’s England colleague Rio Ferdinand, during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road on 23 October.
Following the incident, unseen video footage emerged, which was passed to the CPS. The tape allegedly showed Terry calling Ferdinand a “black c***”. Terry denies the charge.
Police questioned the 31-year-old under caution in November, and the CPS received the file in early December.
"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 Queens Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October 2011,” said Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London.
"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.
Terry will appear before West London Magistrates Court on 1 February.
"He is now summonsed with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that nothing should be reported which could prejudice his trial," Saunders said.
Reacting to the news, Terry vowed to “fight tooth and nail” to clear his name.
"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,” said the £170,000-a-week Premiership star.
"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."
If convicted, Terry could face a fine of £2,500, and his role as an international player would be put in doubt.
Speaking before the announcement, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said that the club would stand behind their captain should he be charged by the CPS.
"The only thing I know is that I will be fully supportive of John Terry, whatever the outcome," said Villas-Boas. "He has my full support, he has the club's full support.
"We know exactly his human values and personality. They are never in doubt."
Following the decision, Chelsea released a statement that red: "John has made it clear he denies the charge and is determined to do all he can to prove his innocence.
"Chelsea FC has always been fully supportive of John in this matter and there is no question that we will continue to be so.
"Chelsea will not be commenting further on the subject while the legal process runs its course."
So far there has been no comment from Anton Ferdinand, the FA or England manager Fabio Capello.