Chelsea have insisted they will give John Terry their full support after it was announced the defender is to face prosecution over a racially aggravated public order offence.
The Blues received notification that the Crown Prosecution Service has charged the England international after he allegedly directed a racial slur towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road in October.
Terry denies the charge and has vowed to do all he can to prove his innocence, and has received the full support of Chelsea.
A Statement on the club’s official website reads: “Chelsea Football Club today received notification from the Crown Prosecution Service that John Terry has been charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.
“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.
“The club finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent and we are proud of the work we undertake campaigning on this important issue.
“Chelsea will not be commenting further on the subject while the legal process runs its course.”
The England skipper has also insisted he will fight to clear his name ahead of the trial at West London Magistrates on February 1 next year.
“I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible,” he said in a statement. “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. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society.”