Reaction to John Terry verdict

Ex-England captain John Terry <link> <caption>has been cleared of racism allegations </caption> <url href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/" platform="highweb"/> </link> after a trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court. The Chief Magistrate ruled it was "possible" whatever the Chelsea player said to Anton Ferdinand was not intended as an insult.

Here is some reaction to the decision:

The Football Association

"The FA notes the decision in the John Terry case and will now seek to conclude its own enquiries. The FA will make no further comment at this time."

Chelsea Football Club

"Chelsea Football Club has noted Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle's decision that has cleared John of the charge against him. We are pleased that John can now focus on football and his pre-season preparations with the team."

Kick It Out campaign chairman, Lord Ouseley

"Kick It Out notes the decision reached and now awaits the pronouncements from The Football Association (FA) to any subsequent investigation into the matter.

"It will be interesting to hear from other organisations this will impact on, from governing bodies to leagues and clubs, and how they deem matters like this to be dealt with in the future."

Editor of the Chelsea Fanzine CFC UK, David Johnstone

"A fantastic result for John Terry, Chelsea Football Club and the supporters. But what a waste of time, what a waste of taxpayers' money, the case should never have been brought.

"What goes on in the dressing room should stay in the dressing room, what goes on on the pitch stays on the pitch."

Kick It Out ambassador and former Chelsea player, Paul Elliott

"There's no winners in this situation. Football's a wonderful way for people to express themselves, break down barriers, challenge a lot of areas around all forms of discrimination and prejudices so it's very sad we're here witnessing this sad and sorry outcome.

"It's about learning the lessons and ensuring that this type of situation doesn't come into a court again.

"I was a player that was engaged in the ugliness of the late 70s and early 80s and it's regrettable that in the 21st century we're here actually discussing these issues."

Labour Party

The language Mr Terry used, "has no place on any football pitch. The FA must restate its commitment to stamping out racism".