Ferdinard admits to "hurtful" nature of alleged racism attack as England star Terry stands trial

By Andrew Warshaw

July 9 – The John Terry racism case opened today with his alleged victim, Anton Ferdinand, saying he would have been “very hurt” if he had heard the England defender use unacceptable language.

Terry, who played a prominent role in England reaching the last eight of the recent UEFA European Championship finals in Poland and Ukraine, is charged with a racially aggravated public order offence – an allegation he denies.

If found guilty, the maximum sentence he could receive is a £2,500 ($3,800/€3,100) fine.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London heard Terry (pictured below, in light-coloured suit) allegedly insulted Ferdinand (pictured top) by calling him black and using extreme sexual swear words during an English Premier League game between Chelsea, of which the centre back is captain, and Queens Park Rangers last October.

“When someone brings your colour into it, it takes it to another level and it’s very hurtful,” Ferdinand, also a centre back, told the court.

He added that initially he did not think any racist terms had been used – but after the match his girlfriend at the time played him a YouTube clip and he changed his mind.

Proceedings in court were punctuated by an alleged exchange of foul language between both players during the match.

Such is the sensitivity of the case that a sign language and lip reading expert was asked to assess footage of who exactly said what to whom.

The case is expected to last five days.

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