The FA have opened an investigation into claims that John Terry racially abused Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat against QPR on Sunday.

Terry seemed to have been captured on video shouting racial abuse at the Super Hoops defender during the game, something the Chelsea captain claims was taken out of context.

The two players spoke after the game and Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas said on Sunday that he believes that that marked the end of the issue, but now English football’s governing body has opened an investigation into the incident it could have far reaching consequences for the England skipper, although Football betting suggests that Terry is unlikely to be stripped of the England captaincy armband.

While QPR were not forthcoming with a complaint the FA says they have received one, and Terry says he believes the investigation will help prove his innocence.

“I welcome the FA enquiry and look forward to clearing my name,” he said.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes added both he and the club are keen to put the incident behind them, but insists that there is no place in football for racism.

“As a club, we will provide our players with our unequivocal support when alleged incidents like this occur,” he said.

“However, we are keen to draw a line under this alleged incident and focus on our forthcoming fixtures, starting with Sunday’s London derby at Spurs.”

Terry had earlier defended his words, saying it had been a misunderstanding between him and Ferdinand, saying viewers of the video which had been posted online “have leapt to the wrong conclusions about the context of what I was seen to be saying”.

“I would never say such a thing – and I’m saddened that people would think so,” he added.

The FA is also investigating claims made by Manchester United defender Patrice Evra that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez racially abused him when the two sides met earlier this month.