John Terry's solicitor pleads not guilty to racism charges

John Terry's solicitor has issued a not guilty plea of racial abuse charges on behalf of the Chelsea captain at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.

The England skipper is facing charges of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match between the Blues and Queens Park Rangers in October.

It was reported earlier that the 31-year-old was likely to be absent from the hearing.

Terry, who has maintained his innocence throughout the entire racism row, is expected to learn the date of the full trial today.