LONDON (AP) - Chelsea captain John Terry has been banned for four matches for racially abusing an opponent.
The former England captain also was fined $356,000 by The English Football Association for abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game in October 2011.
Both sanctions are on hold pending appeal. Terry was punished by the FA despite being cleared by a criminal court in July of a racially aggravated public order offense.
People were interested in these podcasts
Before his FA hearing Monday, Terry announced his retirement from international soccer.
He is the second Premier League player in a year to be banned for racism. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was cited for abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.