The FA disciplinary hearing has found John Terry guilty of “using abusive language” against Anton Ferdinand which “included a reference to colour and/or race.”

Terry will now serve a four-game ban and pay a fine of £220,000, although the Chelsea captain’s management team have said he will consider an appeal.

A statement from the FA said: "The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Terry decide not to appeal."

In reply, Terry’s management company released a statement emphasising that he may respond within the 14-day window.

"Mr Terry is disappointed that the FA Regulatory Commission has reached a different conclusion to the clear not guilty verdict of a court of law. He has asked for the detailed written reasons of the decision and will consider them carefully before deciding whether to lodge an appeal."

Terry was cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence in July but the FA decided to pursue the case despite the former England man categorically denying the charge.

The saga began on October 23rd of last year when Terry and Anton Ferdinand were embroiled in a heated exchange which was caught on camera during the match between QPR and Chelsea.