FOOTBALLER John Terry was today cleared of hurling a racist obscenity at Anton Ferdinand.

The England and Chelsea defender was acquitted of calling Ferdinand a “f****** black c***” during a Premier League Game on October 23 last year.

Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle cleared the 31-year-old of a racially aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

Giving his verdict Mr Riddle said the case was not about “whether Mr Terry is a racist in the broadest sense of the word”.

He said 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 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.