John Terry has confirmed he will not be appealing against the four-match ban imposed by the FA for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand last October. The Chelsea skipper had until 6pm this evening to make his decision but released the following statement earlier this morning:
“I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game. 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.”
Terry’s suspension will now take place with immediate effect. He is set to miss three league games – this weekend’s trip to Spurs, a home clash with United and the visit to Swansea – in addition to a Capital One Cup tie against United on October 31.
Domestically, he will next be available on November 11 for Liverpool’s visit to the Bridge, though Terry can participate in the Champions League away and home clashes against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 23 and November 7 respectively.
The news is likely to boost Gary Cahill’s first-team chances over the short-term, at least. The former Bolton man has started just one of the last four league matches, whereas David Luiz has featured in the first XI in the last five for Roberto Di Matteo’s side – a run of matches which has seen the Blues concede just twice.
Di Matteo also has the option of moving Branislav Ivanovic to the centre and handing new boy Cesar Azpilicueta a start at right-back; the summer signing climbed off the bench against Norwich in Gameweek 7 for his league debut. Whether Di Matteo will give Azpilicueta his first start against Spurs or United is perhaps debatable, though; the smart money seems to be on Cahill slotting in alongside Luiz as Chelsea look to maintain their position at the top of the position in their skipper’s absence.
