Chelsea's Terry to be prosecuted over race abuse claim

Chelsea soccer captain John Terry will be prosecuted over alleged racial abuse made during a Premier League soccer match in October, authorities said on Wednesday.

"I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case," Alison Saunders, Chief Crown Prosecutor for London said in a statement.

"Mr Terry will appear before West London Magistrates' Court on 1 February 2012."

Police had been investigating allegations that Terry racially abused Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match.

Terry has denied making a racist comment to Ferdinand, younger brother of the England captain's long-time international teammate Rio.

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was banned for eight matches on Tuesday and fined £40,000 by the FA for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a game earlier this season.