SOCCER:JOHN TERRY will fight "tooth and nail" to clear his name after the British Crown Prosecution Service confirmed its intention to prosecute the England captain over an alleged racist slur made towards the Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.

The Chelsea centre-half, who denies any wrongdoing, will appear before West London magistrates’ court on February 1st charged with a racially aggravated public order offence made during an altercation with Ferdinand in the derby with QPR at Loftus Road on October 23rd.

The 31-year-old’s club manager, André Villas-Boas, has reiterated that he will benefit from Chelseas full support, with Terry set to start tonight’s game at Tottenham Hotspur.

“I am disappointed with the decision to charge me and hope to be given the chance to clear my name as quickly as possible,” Terry said.

“I have never aimed a racist remark at anyone and count people from all races and creeds among my closest friends. I will fight tooth and nail to prove my innocence. I have campaigned against racism and believe there is no place for it in society.”

Terry was caught on camera confronting Ferdinand six minutes from time in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat. The English FA initiated an inquiry into the incident following a complaint from QPR, with the Metropolitan police following suit in response to an emailed complaint from a member of the public.

The CPS has subsequently confirmed that additional evidence, thought to be new video footage of the incident that was not broadcast at the time, had come to light.

Terry was visited by police at his house in Surrey at around 1pm on Wednesday and was told he has been charged with using “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 which was racially aggravated in accordance with section 28 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998”.

Alison Saunders, the chief crown prosecutor for London, said: “I am satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute this case. Mr Terry will appear before West London magistrates court on February 1st . . . He is now summonsed with a criminal offence and has the right to a fair trial.”

Villas-Boas said Terry, who was reappointed as England’s captain earlier this year, will be able to handle the pressure of playing at White Hart Lane. “He has my full support, and the club’s full support,” the Portuguese said. “He represents this club to a maximum level and we’re very grateful to have a player of his quality in our team, in what he represents in terms of history and achievements within the club. We know exactly his human values and his personality. For me they are never in doubt, so I will support him whatever the outcome. He is fit and available (to play).”

If found guilty, Terry would face a maximum fine of £2,500, though there would be serious implications over his captaincy of the England team. The FA, whose own inquiry into the incident has been put on hold until the conclusion of the criminal investigation, has yet to comment on the issue.

Villas-Boas yesterday admitted Chelsea’s interest in Gary Cahill but insisted they had yet to make a bid for the Bolton defender.

Cahill, who turned 26 on Monday, is out of contract in the summer and the January transfer window is the last chance for struggling Bolton to cash in on one of their prize assets.

Villas-Boas said: “We are aware of Gary’s contractual situation. “He’s an interesting player for the club.”

Terry is fit and will start. Midfielder Ramires has recovered from a leg injury but defender David Luiz is still out with a knee problem, joining long-term injury victim Michael Essien on the sidelines.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says winger Gareth Bale is “very doubtful” due to an ankle injury. Aaron Lennon is out with a hamstring injury, Ledley King’s chronic knee injury means he is unlikely to start after playing against Sunderland at the weekend, and Jermain Defoe is a doubt due to a hamstring problem.

Younes Kaboul returns from suspension, Emmanuel Adebayor has a minor foot injury but should play, while long-term absentees Tom Huddlestone (ankle) and Michael Dawson (Achilles) remain sidelined.