By Andrew Warshaw
July 9 – England defender John Terry, watched by millions of fans at the European Championship finals, is due to stand trial today accused of racially abusing a fellow professional last season.
The Chelsea captain, 31, was charged with a racially-aggravated public order offence after allegedly shouting an offensive comment at Anton Ferdinand of Queens Park Rangers (QPR) during a Premier League match on October 23.
Terry’s lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf at London’s Westminster Magistrates’ Court in February.
Terry’s axeing as England skipper led to Fabio Capello’s resignation as manager and the appointment of Roy Hodgson in his place.
Despite being stripped of the national team captaincy, Terry was nevertheless selected for Euro 2012 and was one of his country’s most effective players in Poland and Ukraine where England reached the last eight.
He faces a maximum fine of £2,500 ($3,800/€3,100) if convicted in a case that could take up to five days.
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