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Villas-Boas backs Terry over 'misunderstanding'

John Terry had a fiery afternoon against QPR © PA Photos

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Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has defended club captain John Terry in the wake of allegations of racism, saying the incident was a "misunderstanding" that has been "blown out of proportion".

Terry is waiting to hear whether QPR defender Anton Ferdinand will push for an FA investigation, after the England captain allegedly racially abused him during the Blues' 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road on Sunday. A complaint has already been filed with the police by a member of the public.

In the meantime Terry has received the full backing of both his club and his manager - who confirmed that Ferdinand was in the dressing room with the Chelsea players after the game and appeared to have no grievances.

"We fully back John. He spoke to Anton after the game, Anton was present in our dressing room. For us it was end of story ... it's just a great misunderstanding and something blown out of proportion," Villas-Boas said.

"The clubs are in touch with each other, and for us the matter is over.

"John Terry represents this country and people who represent this country should have better and fuller support - rather than stories based on speculation."

Chelsea face Everton in the Carling Cup on Wednesday - although Villas-Boas revealed Terry is unlikely to play a part in the match. Stressing that is because the defender is one yellow card away from a suspension rather than because of the furore surrounding him, the Portuguese tactician hit out at Terry's critics and backed the mental resilience of his squad.

"He said to me the incident was a big misunderstanding, and that's why he put a statement out straight away to stop it getting blown out of proportion - but it looks like [that happened], which I find strange," he added.

"Everyone in the squad is in the right frame of mind to play."

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