London, England – Chelsea defender John Terry was found not guilty on Friday of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand.
Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle announced his verdict after a five-day trial, saying that Terry was a "credible witness" and that "nobody has been able to show that he is lying."
The 31-year-old Terry was accused of racially abusing Ferdinand during a match between Chelsea and QPR in October following an investigation and a complaint from an off-duty policeman.
A Chelsea statement said: "Chelsea Football Club notes and respects Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle's decision to clear John Terry of the charge against him. We are pleased that John can now focus on football and his preseason preparations with the team."
Chelsea will open its 2012-13 Premiership season at Wigan on Aug. 18.
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