Judge finds Terry not guilty in racism trial

District Judge Howard Riddle has found Chelsea footballer John Terry not guilty of using a racist obscenity about Anton Ferdinand.

Footballer John Terry was today cleared of hurling a racist obscenity at Anton Ferdinand.

The England and Chelsea defender was acquitted of calling Ferdinand a “f****** black c***” during a Premier League Game on October 23 last year.

Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle cleared the 31-year-old of a racially aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Giving his verdict Mr Riddle said the case was not about “whether Mr Terry is a racist in the broadest sense of the word”.

He said he had heard a great deal of evidence to show that he is not.

“It is understandable why Mr Terry wants to make this point, his reputation is at stake,” he said.

In his judgement, Judge Riddle said the issue was not whether Mr Terry is a racist in the broadest sense of the word.

"The issue is whether Mr Terry uttered the words f---ing black c--- by way of insult."

"I'm satisfied there is little or no reason for (AF) to lie. Overall I found Anton Ferdinand to be a believable witness."

John Terry leaving West London Magistrates to cheers from supporters outside.

— Chelsea FC News (@Chelsea_FL) July 13, 2012