'Footage don't lie': Anton Ferdinand breaks silence over John Terry case

Anton Ferdinand, the player at whom John Terry's words were directed that led to the Chelsea captain being found guilty of using racist language, has broken his silence over the case.

The QPR defender took to Twitter, seemingly in response to those who have criticised his role in the FA hearing and criminal trial that resulted in the exchange between the two last October.

He tweeted: "On a serious note people need 2 read the facts before they send stupid tweets 2 me with liar and grass in it footage don't lie."

The tweet would appear to be in reference to the video footage from Loftus Road during the match on October 23 in which Terry uses the words "f****** black c***".

Terry admitted using the words, but said they were used in response to being accused of having said them.

Yesterday, Terry was found guilty by an FA independent regulatory commission. According the the defender's management, Terry was "disappointed" with the findings that have resulted in a four-match ban and a fine of £220,000.

Terry may yet appeal the decision, and has 14 days upon receipt of the written reasons to do so.

An FA statement released yesterday said: "An independent regulatory commission has today found a charge of misconduct against John Terry proven and has issued a suspension for a period of four matches and a fine of £220,000, pending appeal.

"The Football Association charged Mr Terry on Friday 27 July 2012 with using abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards Queens Park Rangers' Anton Ferdinand and which included a reference to colour and/or race contrary to FA Rule E3[2] in relation to the Queens Park Rangers FC versus Chelsea FC fixture at Loftus Road on 23 October 2011.

"The charge was the result of The FA's long-standing investigation into this matter, which was placed on hold at the request of the Crown Prosecution Service and Mr Terry's representatives pending the outcome of the criminal trial.

"The decision of the Independent Regulatory Commission is as follows:

:: Mr Terry be suspended from all domestic club football until such time as Chelsea's First Team have completed four competitive matches

:: Fined the sum of £220,000."

"The independent regulatory commission will provide written reasons for its decision in due course. Mr Terry has the right to appeal the decision of the independent regulatory commission to an Appeal Board. An appeal must be lodged within 14 days from receipt of the written reasons for the decision.

"The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or should Mr Terry decide not to appeal. The reason for this is to ensure that the penalty does not take effect before any appeal so that Mr Terry has an effective right of appeal."

Terry was found not guilty in Westminster Magistrates Court in July of a racially-aggravated public order offence with the prosecution unable to prove he had called Ferdinand a "f****** black c***" as an insult.