FOOTBALLER John Terry has been cleared of hurling a racist obscenity at Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game.

The England and Chelsea defender was acquitted of making the racist comment to Ferdinand during a match on October 23 last year.

Giving his verdict at Westminster Magistrates' Court, Chief Magistrate How.ard Riddle said the case was not about "whether Mr Terry is a racist in the broadest sense of the word" and 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.

Terry, 31, left the court within minutes of the verdict. Looking impassive, he was escorted by aides past the media scrum. He made no comment, but was cheered by a small group of Chelsea supporters as he was driven away.

Dan Morrison, Terry's lawyer, said outside court: "The court has today acquitted John Terry of all charges. He has consistently explained his position to the FA, the police and to the court.

"He did not racially abuse Mr Ferdinand and the court has accepted this."

The Crown Prosecution Service later defended the decision to prosecute the former England captain.

Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London, said: "The very serious allegation at the heart of this case was one of racial abuse.

"It was our view that this was not 'banter' on the football pitch and that the allegation should be judged by a court.

"The chief magistrate agreed that Mr Terry had a case to answer, but having heard all of the evidence he acquitted Mr Terry of a racially aggravated offence.

"That is justice being done and we respect the chief magistrate's decision."

Explaining his verdict, Mr Riddle said the prosecution presented a strong case and there was "no doubt" that Terry uttered the word "black" and an extreme sexual swear word.

"When he did so he was angry," he said. "Mr Ferdinand says that he did not precipitate this comment by himself, accusing Mr Terry of calling him a black c***.

"Even with all the help the court has received from television footage, expert lip readers, witnesses and indeed counsel, it is impossible to be sure exactly what were the words spoken by Mr Terry at the relevant time. It is impossible to be sure exactly what was said to him at the relevant time by Mr Ferdinand."

Mr Riddle said Terry said he was himself wrongly accused by Ferdinand on the pitch of the racist obsenity and had maintained that from the beginning. Terry's team-mate Ashley Cole had said it was mentioned to him during the game.

"There is no doubt that reasonably soon after the game he made the accusation to Mr Ferdinand. He confirmed that basic account in a statement on the evening of the match," Mr Riddle added.

"He gave a very detailed account to the FA and later to the police. He gave evidence to that effect in this court."

Mr Riddle said he had assessed Terry as a "credible witness", and weighing all the evidence together, he thought it is highly unlikely Ferdinand accused Terry on the pitch in the terms described.

"However, I accept that it is possible that Mr Terry believed at the time, and believes now, that such an accusation was made. The prosecution evidence as to what was said by Mr Ferdinand at this point is not strong," he said.

"Mr Cole gives corroborating (although far from compelling corroborating) evidence on this point.

"It is therefore possible that what he said was not intended as an insult, but rather as a challenge to what he believed had been said to him.

"In those circumstances, there being a doubt, the only verdict the court can record is one of not guilty."