England captain Terry faces racism charge

LONDON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- England soccer captain John Terry has been charged with making a racist slur at an opponent, British authorities said Wednesday.

The Crown Prosecution Service alleged Terry, 31, a superstar defender for Chelsea, uttered a slur toward Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during an Oct. 23 game.

He will be formally charged Feb. 1 at the West London Magistrates Court, The Guardian reported.

Terry has denied the accusations and indicated he does not intend to resign as England prepares for the first two opening-round games of the Euro 2012 tournament.

"I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible," Terry said in a statement. "I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends.

"I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society," he added.

Terry regained England's captaincy early this year after losing it prior to the 2010 World Cup in the wake of newspaper reports about an alleged extramarital affair.