John Terry thanks legal team for "hard work"

Chelsea captain John Terry has revealed his gratitude towards his legal team following the court's decision to clear the defender of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

The 31-year-old was found not guilty of a racially-aggravated public order offence following a five-day trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Grosvenor Law issued the following statement on behalf of the England international, which said: "The court has today acquitted John Terry of all charges. He has consistently explained his position to the FA, to the police and to the court.

"He did not racially abuse Mr Ferdinand and the court has accepted this. John would like to thank his legal team for their hard work and his family, friends and Chelsea Football Club for their support."

The decision was met with cheers from the centre-back's family when the verdict was read out.