by Topsy Oba
John Terry has issued an apology after deciding not to appeal against his four-match ban for racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand.
The Chelsea captain will now miss the club's next four matches.
An independent Football Association panel found him guilty of racially abusing the defender during the Chelsea and QPR match on 23 October last year.
Terry said: "I want to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone for the language I used in the game."
The 31-year-old defender added: "Although I'm disappointed with the FA judgment, I accept that the language I used, regardless of the context, is not acceptable on the football field or indeed in any walk of life.
"As I stated in the criminal case, with the benefit of hindsight my language was clearly not an appropriate reaction to the situation for someone in my position.
"My response was below the level expected by Chelsea Football Club, and by me, and it will not happen again."
Terry will now miss Chelsea's Premier League fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United and Swansea as well as a League Cup tie against Manchester United.
The FA panel released its full written judgement earlier this month in which it described Terry's defence as "improbable, implausible and contrived" and said it was "satisfied" his comments were used as an insult. But the panel stressed Terry, 31, "is not a racist".
Terry was cleared in July by Westminster Magistrates' Court of racially abusing Ferdinand.
Chelsea have not yet revealed if they will take any disciplinary action against Terry.
The club had previously said it would make its decision after Terry decided whether he would appeal.
Terry added: "I will continue to do my part in assisting the club to remove all types of discriminatory behaviour from football.
"I am extremely grateful for the consistent support of Chelsea FC, the fans and my family."
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