After a preliminary investigation, prosecutors determined there is sufficient evidence to charge Chelsea defender John Terry for remarks he made to Queen's Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in a Premier League match Oct. 23. Terry faces a charge of using “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior, or disorderly behavior within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress which was racially aggravated.” Ferdinand is black.

“The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors," said Alison Saunders, the chief crown prosecutor for London, "and after careful consideration of all the evidence I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case.”

Terry has claimed he was referring to an accusation made by Ferdinand and his comments did not constitute an attack on the QPR player.

“I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible,” Terry said. “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.”