• Premier League

Terry opts not to appeal ban, misses Utd double-header

Chelsea captain John Terry has decided not to appeal the four-match ban handed out by the Football Association for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand.

The FA panel described Terry's defence as "improbable, implausible and contrived" and said they were "satisfied" his comments were used as an insult. But the panel stressed the 31-year-old "is not a racist".

Terry, who was found not guilty of the same charge in court in July, had until Thursday at 6pm to contest the charge but has opted not to do so.

In a statement released by his management agency, 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." The ban will begin immediately, ruling him out of Saturday lunchtime's Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur, a league and cup double header with Manchester United and clash with Swansea.

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