361 days later, John Terry finally says sorry

- Language was ‘unacceptable’- No appeal over four-game ban- Chelsea keep sanctions secret- Club criticised by Kick It Out
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Simon Johnson18 October 2012

John Terry today issued an apology for the language he used towards Anton Ferdinand as he revealed he will not appeal against the Football Association’s decision to ban him for four games.

Chelsea have now handed Terry their own punishment, which remains confidential — a decision criticised today by Kick It Out chairman Lord Herman Ouseley — but Standard Sport understands he will remain as club captain.

Terry was found guilty by the FA of racially abusing Ferdinand during a Premier League match at Queens Park Rangers 361 days ago despite being cleared in court in July.

While Terry insists he is still not happy with the FA’s findings, the defender will not fight their decision. In a statement, he said: “After careful consideration, I have decided not to appeal against the FA judgment.

“I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game.

“Although I’m disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life.

“As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position.

“My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again.

“Looking forward, I will continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football. I am extremely grateful for the consistent support of Chelsea FC, the fans and my family.”

The official findings by an independent FA panel were released two weeks ago and described Terry’s version of events as “improbable, implausible and contrived”, although the panel also made it clear they did not consider him to be a racist.

The 31-year-old, who quit playing for England on the eve of his personal hearing with the FA last month, had until 6pm today to appeal. But, having ignored this option, he is now banned for four games and will have to pay a £220,000 fine.

Chelsea, who are believed to have issued him with a large fine of their own, have welcomed his decision not to take any further action.

But the club also made it clear in a statement that they found Terry’s behaviour unacceptable. It said: “Chelsea appreciates, and supports, John’s full apology for the language he used. The club firmly believes such language is not acceptable and fell below the standards expected of John as a Chelsea player.

“The Board has conducted its own investigation into the matter and considered the various issues.

“The Board has taken further disciplinary action in addition to the four-match suspension and £220,000 fine imposed by the FA. In accordance with our long-standing policy, that disciplinary action will remain confidential.”

That decision was criticised by football’s equality group Kick It Out. Chairman Lord Ouseley said: “Chelsea need to be open about the action they have taken. A lot of people will be dissatisfied that Chelsea have not been much more up front about the standards they set and the values they have.”

Terry’s ban begins immediately so he will miss the game at Tottenham on Saturday. He will also be sidelined for the match at home to Manchester United on October 28 and the Capital One Cup clash against the same opposition three days later.

The final game of his ban will be at Swansea, although he will be free to play in the Champions League. The centre-half played 45 minutes against Arsenal reserves yesterday in order to maintain his fitness ahead of next week’s Champions League clash at Shakhtar Donetsk.

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