Police interview Terry as part of racial abuse probe

SOCCER ENGLISH LEAGUE CUP QUARTER-FINALS: Chelsea v Liverpool Venue:Stamford Bridge, Kick-off: Tonight, 8pm

HAMMERSMITH AND Fulham police have interviewed John Terry under caution as part of their investigation into allegations that he racially abused Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea’s defeat by Queens Park Rangers last month.

A statement was taken from Terry in Surrey last Friday, 24 hours before Chelsea’s home game against Wolves, as the police continue to compile accounts of the incident which took place late in the derby at Loftus Road on October 23rd. It remains to be seen whether charges are brought against the 30-year-old England captain, who is also the subject of inquiries by the English Football Association into the flashpoint.

Terry denies racially abusing the QPR defender but has admitted using offensive words, claiming he had shouted them as a denial having been under the assumption that Ferdinand had accused him of making a racist remark. He welcomed the announcement of the FA’s inquiry as an opportunity to clear his name, only for the Metropolitan police to follow suit as a result of an emailed complaint from a member of the public.

As part of the inquiry players at Chelsea and QPR have been interviewed, with confirmation now that Terry has also been contacted. “A 30-year-old man was interviewed under caution on Friday November 25th,” said a Scotland Yard spokesman. “He was not arrested.”

The Crown Prosecution Service is understood to have received files on the investigation from the police, but more are expected to be lodged before any decision is made as to whether charges are to be pressed.

Terry is suspended for tonight’s quarter-final against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea considering whether they will recall their Spain international Fernando Torres to the starting line-up.

The assistant manager, Roberto di Matteo, said the hierarchy retain faith in the €50 million forward, who has started the last four games on the bench. “We can see the player has talent, the way he trains every day, the effort he puts in,” said Di Matteo.

“That’s how you assess him. I have no doubt he will score goals for us. He’s done it this season: he started very well. It’s normal that, during a long season, you’ll have a week or two when you’re not at your best. But I have faith in him.”

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is likely to make a number of changes to his team for tonight’s tie with Romelu Lukaku, Josh McEachran and Salomon Kalou being drafted in to the first team.

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will make several changes for the game which comes just 48 hours after playing against Manchester City.

Forward Craig Bellamy is likely to return having been omitted from the squad yesterday on compassionate grounds after the death of close friend Gary Speed.

Jamie Carragher should make his first appearance in over a month, having spent the last two matches on the bench after injury, while there may also be recalls for fellow defender Martin Kelly, midfielders Maxi Rodriguez and Jay Spearing and striker Andy Carroll.

Guardian Service