Footballer John Terry has been cleared of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.

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

Clearing the 31-year-old of a racially aggravated public order offence at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday, Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle said the prosecution presented a strong case.

He said: "There is no doubt that John Terry uttered the words 'f****** black c***' at Anton Ferdinand.

"When he did so he was angry. 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."

He added: "It is impossible to be sure exactly what was said to him at the relevant time by Mr Ferdinand.

"It is a crucial fact that nobody has given evidence that they heard what Mr Terry said or more importantly how he said it.

"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."

Terry made no comment, leaving the court within minutes of the verdict, cheered on by a small group of Chelsea supporters.