Terry opts against appeal

Chelsea defender John Terry has decided not to appeal against a four-match ban and fine of £220,000 for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry had until 6pm this evening to contest the sanction issued by an independent Football Association regulatory commission.

However, in a statement released via his representatives Elite Management, Terry said:

Terry was found guilty by the independent FA commission of calling Ferdinand a "** black ***" during a Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and QPR on October 23.

He has always maintained that he was merely repeating an accusation levelled at him by Ferdinand, but the commission found that his words were used as an insult.