Chelsea take further action against John Terry

Chelsea have responded to the close of the John Terry/Anton Ferdinand case with a statement on Terry's decision not to appeal against the four-match ban imposed by the FA after finding him guilty of racial abuse. Although there was some speculation that he'd be stripped of the captaincy... well, that hasn't happened. Obviously:

Chelsea Football Club believes John Terry has made the correct decision by not appealing against the FA judgment relating to language he used at the QPR match last October.

Chelsea also appreciates, and supports, John's full apology for the language he used. The club firmly believes such language is not acceptable and fell below the standards expected of John as a Chelsea player.

The Board has conducted its own investigation into the matter, and considered the various issues involved. The Board has taken further disciplinary action in addition to the four-match suspension and £220,000 fine imposed by the FA. In accordance with our long-standing policy, that disciplinary action will remain confidential.

Chelsea enjoys support all over the world. We have players and supporters from many different countries and cultures and our club is committed to eradicating all forms of discriminatory behaviour. John is fully committed to continue supporting that ongoing work.

Dan Levene has speculated that the fine is likely to be in the realm of two week's wages, which would roughly double the FA's £220,000 fine. Chelsea are keeping the exact terms of the disciplinary action under wraps, though, so I doubt we'll ever find out what's going on behind the scenes -- it is, however, clearly not going to affect his participation with the squad.

I do appreciate that the club has, rather than claiming a witch hunt as other organisations have done under similar conditions, remained professional throughout this whole sordid affair.