LONDON (AP) - John Terry has apologized for using inappropriate language during an on-field confrontation and decided to accept a four-match ban for racially abusing an opponent during a Premier League game.

Chelsea also has taken disciplinary action against the 31-year-old defender, although the European champions say their punishment will "remain confidential."

Terry said Thursday he is sorry "to everyone" for repeating a racial slur during an altercation with Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in a west London derby last October.

Terry says "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."

He was cleared in a criminal trial in July of a racially aggravated public order offense, but he was found guilty by the FA.

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