London: Chelsea captain John Terry has dismissed claims that he directed a racial slur at Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game, insisting on Sunday that "it was all a misunderstanding."
Video footage appeared on the internet after Chelsea's 1-0 defeat by QPR in the west London derby at Loftus Road, with some claiming it showed Terry making a racist comment toward Ferdinand, brother of Manchester United's Rio.
The England captain attempted to defuse the situation by releasing a statement, saying "people have leapt to the wrong conclusions about the context of what I was seen to be saying."
"I thought Anton was accusing me of using a racist slur against him. I responded aggressively, saying that I never used that term," Terry said in the statement, released to Britain's Press Association.
"I would never say such a thing, and I'm saddened that people would think so."
The 30-year-old Terry said Ferdinand hasn't accused him of racial abuse.
"I have known Anton for a long time and spoke to him about it after the game and there was no problem between us," Terry said. "I congratulated him on their win. He has not accused me of any wrongful remark."
"It was clear it was all a misunderstanding at the time."
"After the result today I am saddened to be dealing with these wrongful allegations."
"I am the proud captain of one of the most internationally diverse teams in the Premier League and I absolutely believe there is no place for racism in sport and indeed in any walk of life."
Two Chelsea players - Jose Bosingwa and Didier Drogba - were sent off in the first half of a fiery match between the London rivals. Terry was one of seven Chelsea players to be booked in a game, while he squared up to QPR goalkeeper Paddy Kenny in a heated confrontation just before the final whistle.
The Football Association is currently investigating claims by Manchester United defender Patrice Evra that he was racially abused by Liverpool striker Luis Suarez during the league match between the two northwest teams last weekend.
Suarez denies the allegations.
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