John Terry Will Face Criminal Charges For Racial Abuse Of Anton Ferdinand

The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that Chelsea defender John Terry will face criminal charges for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during a match between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers. Following the Football Association's suspension of Luis Suarez for racial abuse on Tuesday, it was obvious that some news was coming in Terry's case. The FA was not involved in the investigation of Terry's alleged racial abuse of Ferdinand, due to the police investigation taking place. 

The alleged incident took place on Oct. 23 at Loftus Road, QPR's home stadium, in which Terry allegedly used profanity and racist language towards Ferdinand. Here is the statement on the charges from Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London.

"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 Queen's Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October 2011.

"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.

"Mr Terry will appear before West London Magistrates' Court on 1 February 2012.

"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."

For more on Terry and the Blues, visit Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History.