Chelsea have decided not to allow their players and staff to wear t-shirts showing their support for John Terry, believing such a display would not be "appropriate or helpful".

32859 - Chelsea will not wear t-shirts in support of Terry

Terry is currently facing legal proceedings over alleged racist comments directed at QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during a game between the two sides in October. According to the Blues a number of players raised the prospect of wearing t-shirts to show their support for their captain ahead of their next game against Fulham, but the idea has been dismissed by the club.

Liverpool found themselves facing widespread criticism for t-shirts they wore in support of striker Luis Suarez - who was recently banned for eight games by the FA for abusing Patrice Evra - ahead of Wednesday's draw with Wigan.

Chelsea, who fully support Terry, do not want to attract similar criticism or risk inflaming the issue - nor do they want to risk potential contempt of court proceedings ahead of Terry's hearing at west London magistrates court on February 1.

"We were aware of the idea being discussed among some of the players and staff," a Chelsea spokesman said. "The club fully supports John but did not think the wearing of T-shirts was an appropriate or helpful show of that support."