Villas-Boas gives Terry ‘full support’
John Terry has pledged to prove his innocence over a racially aggravated public order charge.
The Crown Prosecution Service has decided there is sufficient evidence to prosecute Terry after an exchange with QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.
The BBC understands Terry will not stand aside as England captain and intends, if selected, to captain against Netherlands in February.
“I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence,” Terry said.
Terry, 31, who denies the claims, issued a statement which added: “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 have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society.”
England captain faces racism charge
It is understood that, after Terry’s first hearing at West London Magistrates on 1 February, the case is likely to be adjourned for anything up to 10 weeks.
That could mean the FA will be forced to make a decision on Terry’s captaincy of his country, with England taking on Netherlands at Wembley on 29 February in a re-arranged fixture from August that was postponed due to the London riots.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has backed his captain.
“The only thing I know is that I’ll be fully supportive of John Terry,” said Villas-Boas.
The Metropolitan Police assessed the incident after a complaint by a member of the public and passed its evidence to the CPS for consideration on 1 December.
Ferdinand submitted his account of the incident to the Football Association and said he had “very strong feelings on the matter”.
Last week it emerged prosecutors had asked police for more information regarding the incident but Terry is now due before West London Magistrates’ Court on 1 February.
Speaking before the CPS announcement, Villas-Boas said: “We know exactly [Terry’s] human values and personality. They are never in doubt.”
As a footballer you seek sanctuary on the pitch. It’s the one place where you can get away from it all – you don’t have time to worry about it. [Terry]will be fine
Ex-Chelsea player Pat Nevin on Terry’s likely participation against Spurs
And a statement by Chelsea published on the club’s official website after the charge was announced read: “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 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 CPS decision came a day before Chelsea’s Premier League game at Tottenham, the start of a run of four games in 11 days.
“These are legal proceedings and I’m not in the right to say something done by justice is wrong,” Villas-Boas said. “If this is the timing they chose, this is the timing they thought was correct.”
Former Chelsea player Pat Nevin expects Terry to perform as normal on the pitch despite the charge.
Lineker backing Terry to perform
“I expect John Terry and Chelsea to get on with business as usual,” said BBC Radio 5 live football pundit Nevin.
“Throughout his career, John Terry has played in some extraordinary situations, under all kinds of pressure, and come through it.
“As a footballer you seek sanctuary on the pitch.
“It’s the one place where you can get away from it all – you don’t have time to worry about it. He will be fine.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham have issued a warning to fans on their website ahead of the match against the Blues, with stewards expected to wear head-mounted cameras to monitor any abuse.
“A reminder to all fans, both home and away, that foul, abusive, homophobic or racist language will not be tolerated at White Hart Lane,” said the statement.
“The club will take action against anyone heard using such language.
“Stewards will again wear headcams at Thursday’s match and will adopt a zero-tolerance policy.
“Once again, we call upon our fans to behave in a manner which does not bring the club into disrepute and of which we can be proud.”