Terry’s lawyer may cast doubt on Ferdinand’s evidence in racism trial

Terry, 31, will stand trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on July 9 accused of a racially-aggravated public order offence – shouting an offensive comment at Ferdinand.

The comment was allegedly made, and seemingly caught on television footage, to the Queens Park Rangers defender during a Premier League match in October.

Yesterday, during an administrative hearing before the trial, Terry’s barrister, George Carter-Stephenson QC, said he was considering making a bad character application against Ferdinand.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, bad character “means the commission of an offence or other reprehensible conduct”, and is used to cast doubt on a witness’s evidence.

Mr Carter-Stephenson said: “There is likely to be an application for bad character against Mr Ferdinand about two incidents”, but details were not given about those incidents. The barrister added: “There is pertinent evidence which we believe will assist the court.”

The Chelsea star did not attend yesterday’s hearing after playing for England on Sunday night. He denies the offence.