• Premier League

Terry forced to calm fresh storm

John Terry endured a tough afternoon for Chelsea during Sunday's 1-0 defeat to QPR © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Anton Ferdinand urged to speak out
  
• News: Terry welcomes FA investigation over race row
  
• News: Terry awaits fate in race row
  
• News: Villas-Boas backs Terry over 'misunderstanding'
  
• News: Terry denies racism allegations
  
• Profile: John Terry

John Terry was forced to take the unusual step of apologising to hundreds of fans - after they believed he was due to open a pet shop.

The Chelsea and England captain had been expected to cut the ribbon at the opening of Reptile Kingdom on Ewell Road after he had completed training at the club's training ground, which is in nearby Cobham.

Owner Terrence Clark said he had organised the England captain's appearance through a mutual friend, but Terry insists that was not the case and therefore did not appear.

Terry, who has categorically denied making a racist slur against Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea's defeat at QPR, released a statement which read: "There appears to be some confusion regarding my attendance at an opening of a pet shop today in Surbiton.

"For the avoidance of doubt, I had not agreed to attend the opening of this or any other shop today. I had been asked if I would consider the opportunity and declined on two separate occasions. That is as far as the matter went.

"No agreement was made for me to attend or any plans put in place by me or the football club. Any advertising or announcements to say I would be attending were made without my knowledge or consent.

"I very much regret any distress or disappointment that may have been suffered by the public."

Clark admitted he was disappointed the defender did not turn up, but still claimed the day was a success. "He was supposed to be there but he didn't show," Clarke claimed. "We had arranged for him to come through a mutual friend. Hundreds turned up. It looks bad on him and not us. I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but we still had a good time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.