Terry decides against appeal

Chelsea captain John Terry has
decided not to appeal his four-game
ban and £220,000 fine for racially
abusing QPR defender Anton
Ferdinand in a move supported by his
club.
Terry had until 6pm on Thursday to
contest the punishment handed out by
an independent FA regulatory
commission.
And though revealed he was unhappy
with the FA judgment in a statement
issued by his representatives, Elite
Management, he has decided to serve
his suspension.
Chelsea described the defender's
decision as the "correct" one and
confirmed they had taken their own
disciplinary action - but those sanctions
have been kept under wraps.
In his statement Terry said: "After
careful consideration, I have decided
not to appeal against the FA judgment.
"I want to take this opportunity to
apologise to everyone for the language
I used in the game against Queens
Park Rangers last October.
"Although I'm disappointed with the FA
judgment, I accept that the language I
used, regardless of the context, is not
acceptable on the football field or
indeed in any walk of life.
"As I stated in the criminal case, with
the benefit of hindsight, my language
was clearly not an appropriate reaction
to the situation for someone in my
position.
"My response was below the level
expected by Chelsea Football Club, and
by me, and it will not happen again.
"Looking forward, I will continue to do
my part in assisting the club to remove
all types of discriminatory behaviour
from football.
"I am extremely grateful for the
consistent support of Chelsea FC, the
fans and my family."
A subsequent statement from Chelsea
read: "Chelsea Football Club believes
John Terry has made the correct
decision by not appealing against the
FA judgment relating to language he
used at the QPR match last October.
"Chelsea also appreciates, and
supports, John's full apology for the
language he used. The club firmly
believes such language is not
acceptable and fell below the
standards expected of John as a
Chelsea player.
"The Board has conducted its own
investigation into the matter ... and
taken further disciplinary action in
addition to the four-match suspension
and £220,000 fine imposed by the FA.
In accordance with our long-standing
policy, that disciplinary action will
remain confidential."
Terry will miss Saturday's Premier
League game with Tottenham, the
league and Capital One Cup clashes
with Manchester United and a trip to
Swansea on 3 November.