John Terry has the backing of all of his Chelsea team-mates over allegations he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand, manager Andre Villas-Boas has insisted.
The 30-year-old has categorically denied using a racist slur against Ferdinand, and unless evidence or witnesses emerge suggesting he did, he is unlikely to face any action. Several of Terry's Chelsea team-mates might also be in a position to back up his version of events and Villas-Boas revealed the whole squad was united behind their skipper.
He said: "All of the players have been quiet about it because we know what happened. Nothing happened, so there is nothing to discuss."
Even if Terry is exonerated, Chelsea's rival supporters are likely to make him a target of their abuse in the coming weeks but Villas-Boas was confident he would not suffer "any more" than usual.
The club have refused to confirm whether Terry has been interviewed by the FA but Ferdinand has spoken to them, according to QPR boss Neil Warnock.
"Anton has spoken about the situation - with me and the FA," he said.
"I'm sure the powers that be will come up with a decision when they have spoken to all the witnesses."
It is understood Ferdinand does not recall any exchange with Terry in which he accused the England captain of racially abusing him, something the latter claimed prompted him to respond with a denial which included the same language.
The race row is the latest controversy to befall Terry but Villas-Boas, who arrived at Chelsea this summer with a demand for his players to be role models, insisted his skipper was a good one.
Villa-Boas said: "He is England captain, the captain of your team and of your country. You should be proud."
Source: PA
Source: PA