England star’s legal team will apply for ‘bad character’ evidence for forthcoming court case

The credibility of Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand may be tested by John Terry’s lawyers at the England star’s racism trial, a court heard today (Monday).

Terry’s QC George Carter-Stephenson said he is to apply for ‘bad character’ evidence ‘in relation to two incidents’ to be levelled against Mr Ferdinand.

He told Westminster Magistrates’ Court: “There is pertinent evidence which we believe will assist the court.”

No more details of the incidents concerning the 27-year-old were given at today’s brief case management hearing.

Terry, 31, did not appear in court after England were knocked out of Euro 2012 by Italy on penalties last night.

Mr Carter-Stephenson apologised for the Chelsea captain’s absence, adding: “I think you’ll understand.”

Terry is due to stand trial on July 9 accused of using a racist obscenity towards Mr Ferdinand during a Barclays Premier League clash with Chelsea last October.

The lawyer said two witnesses, including a doctor, would be called to back up his claim he had not insulted the player, while friends and colleagues will testify that he is not a racist.

Both Terry and Ferdinand are due to take to the witness stand during the five-day hearing.

Two lip-reading experts booked by each side to give evidence at the trial are said to be at loggerheads on the exact words Terry uttered during the exchange.

Terry denies using racially aggravated threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress.

A separate inquiry by the FA has been postponed until the end of the criminal case against him.