Football: Terry court date set for after Euro 2012

England captain John Terry’s court case on racial abuse charges was adjourned yesterday until July 9, leaving the Chelsea star free to lead his country at Euro 2012.
Lawyers for Terry had earlier entered a not guilty plea on the footballer’s behalf as he prepares to fight charges of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during a match against QPR last October.
With the English Football Association having previously declined to take any action against Terry on the basis that he is innocent until proven guilty, the adjournment means the defender is likely to captain England at Euro 2012.
“Mr Terry has resolutely maintained that his well publicised remarks were made in the belief that he was being accused of racist abuse by Mr Ferdinand. Mr Terry was shocked and disgusted by that accusation at the time,” Terry’s lawyers said in a statement.
“Mr Terry denies making any racist statement and has never racially abused another player in his entire life.”
Terry, 31, is accused of a racially-aggravated public order offence following the emergence of video footage which appeared to show him abusing Ferdinand during a Premier League match in October.
If found guilty he could be fined up to £2,500 although the damage to the player’s lucrative commercial deals would likely be far greater.