CHELSEA captain John Terry will face a charge of using racist language, the Crown Prosecution Service announced this afternoon.
The England defender is alleged to have racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand during the Blues' 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road on October 23.
The 30-year-old, who has always denied making racist comments, will appear before West London Magistrates' Court on February 1 – the day after Chelsea's game at Swansea.
Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London, said: "I have today advised the Metropolitan Police that John Terry should be prosecuted for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments allegedly made during a football match between Queen's Park Rangers and Chelsea on 23 October.
"The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors and, after careful consideration of all the evidence, I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case."
Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas had earlier vowed to stand by his skipper regardless of the CPS verdict.
A statement from the Stamford Bridge club said: "Chelsea FC has always been fully supportive of John in this matter and there is no question that we will continue to be so.
"The club finds all forms of discrimination abhorrent and we are proud of the work we undertake campaigning on this important issue."
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