Morning:
8°c
A Chelsea football club security guard who suffered a leg injury when he was knocked over by John Terry's car says the footballer is not to blame.
Terry's Range Rover struck Steve Rowley as it was surrounded by photographers and fans at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night following Chelsea's defeat by Inter Milan.
The England defender, whose wife Toni Poole was in the passenger seat, was not aware that anyone had been injured until he was telephoned at home in Oxshott, Surrey, the club said.
He was breathalysed by police several hours later and was found to be within the legal alcohol limit.
In a statement issued through Chelsea last night, Mr Rowley, 35, said: “I did not suffer a broken leg in last night's incident at Stamford Bridge. It is badly bruised.
“John was quickly in contact with me once he realised what had happened and there's no bad feeling at all on my part. It wasn't his fault at all, it was a complete accident.”
Phil Hall, spokesman for the former England captain, said that Terry had intended to meet Mr Rowley today but the security guard declined, saying that he did not want to cause a fuss.
Hall said: "John rang him this morning and after training this afternoon to ask Steve how he was.
"Steve said he was fine and that he was resting up. John discussed visiting him today but he just said: 'No, don't worry about it. It's not worth the hassle, there's nothing that you can't say that you haven't already done, it'll just turn into more of a media circus if you do come."'
"John and Steve have now agreed to meet up some time in the next week at work.
"I don't know what John has planned. I think he wants it to remain private.
"Steve has been told he needs to rest for a one week but he thinks he could be back at work sooner."
A Met Police spokesman said enquiries into the accident were continuing.
Terry was stripped of the England captaincy last month after reports that he had an affair with the ex-partner of fellow England player Wayne Bridge.
Reader views (9)
The security guard who suffered a leg injury, must be a fool to say " It wasn't his fault at all" the right lawyer he could been moving to Oxshott, Surrey too.
- Fred, London, 18/03/2010 15:16
Report abuse
I am no Chelsea fan but JT is not to blame for everything that happens, this sensationalist media is just too much ! OK, he got caught with his hands in the till, is trying to patch things up with his wife so let him play football for a living which I think he's rather good at...............
- Andy Woodhead, London, ENGLAND, 18/03/2010 13:29
Report abuse
Good job JT was not driving a TOYOTA.
- Frank, Copenhagen, Denmark, 18/03/2010 13:22
Report abuse
If we are lucky, Man. City. could make another offer! Elsewise, he could go as part of a 'job lot'
- Kevin Sullivan, Roehampton, London, 18/03/2010 12:54
Report abuse
Perhaps he thought the steward looked like Wayne Bridge?
- Nick, Battersea, 18/03/2010 12:42
Report abuse
Wow the headlines just get better and better.
" John Terry kills steward in fit of frenzy after Inter Milan Defeat "
And then
" John Terry attempts to kill Steward in fit of frenzy after Inter Milan defeat "
And then
" John Terry breaks Stewards Leg in fit of frenzy after Inter Milan defeat "
And then
" John Terry bruises Stewards leg in fit of frenzy after Inter Milan defeat "
And finally the truth
“John Terry’s car was in collision with a Steward whilst being mobbed by journalists and photographers, luckily the Steward only suffered minor bruising.
- Steve M, London, 18/03/2010 12:25
Report abuse
No wonder Mr Rowley doesn't blame JT. This accident was caused by paparazzi getting too close to the car park accident. The same paparazzi who want to take pics of the players and their partners to sell to the tabloids. Including the Standard. The club should take out an injunction against these individuals and photo agencies to prevent this happening again.
As for the claim in the article that there were fans in surrounding the car, I think given the lateness of the hour, combined with our defeat on Tuesday, means that only idiots would have been hanging around at that time.
- Blue Baby, London, 18/03/2010 11:09
Report abuse
Not a good week for John. But I ear theres more to come. A change is as good as a rest. Maybe try his hand at basketball?
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 18/03/2010 10:22
Report abuse
John "lucky" Terry
If bad things come in three's then hopefully that's it.
- Lance Johnson, Canterbury, Kent, 18/03/2010 09:45
Report abuse
