Chelsea's Terry banned 4 games for racial abuse

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.

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.