John Terry to go to trial over racism

Chelsea defender John Terry pleaded not guilty to a charge of racism at court on Wednesday, and will now undergo a full trial in July.

The England international was accused by Anton Ferdinand of making a racist remark in The Blues’ 1-0 defeat to QPR back in October at Loftus Road.

Terry was not present at the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London, but his lawyer pleaded his innocence, sending the incident to trial.

The court date has been set for July 9th, which falls after the completion of Euro 2012, and before the start of the 2012/13 Premier League season, Sky Sports reveal.

Terry has maintained his innocence throughout the investigations, and has been backed by Andre Villas Boas and Chelsea as being wrongly accused of the claims.

The centre back did not feature in his side’s 1-1 draw with Swansea on Tuesday night, and Villas Boas has admitted that the skipper will be given leave away from the club if so required as the court proceedings continue.

By Gareth McKnight