JOHN TERRY AND Anton Ferdinand met at Wembley as the Chelsea captain’s Football Association disciplinary hearing over allegations he racially abused the QPR defender started today.
Ferdinand gave evidence to the independent panel at the hearing, with Terry in attendance to hear the case against him.
Central defender Terry, who dramatically announced his retirement from international football on Sunday, effectively accused the FA of forcing his hand after the governing body pressed on with charges that he racially abused Ferdinand in October.
Terry, who has always denied using a racist slur against his opponent, was found not guilty in a criminal case relating to the incident in a London court in July.
Ferdinand was at Wembley all morning, leaving shortly before midday, while Terry — who will reportedly return on Tuesday — left around 3pm. The case could last most of the week.
England manager Roy Hodgson said that he had “reluctantly” accepted John Terry’s decision to call time on his international career, as the centre-back contested a Football Association racism charge.
In a separate statement, the FA thanked Terry for his England service.
“Following his announcement that he is retiring from the England team, the FA would like to thank John Terry for all of his efforts with the national team over the past decade,” read a statement from the FA.
“During his 78 appearances, John has always given his full commitment to the team.”
