Ancelotti backs Terry after allegations

England and Chelsea captain John Terry has been given the backing of his club and manager following allegations that he took cash payments to lay on a behind-the-scenes tour of the club's training ground.

A Sunday newspaper claimed Terry accepted £10,000 in cash within yards of manager Carlo Ancelotti at the club's Cobham training HQ to arrange the visit for an undercover reporter.

But Ancelotti defended Terry after the centre-half played in yesterday's 1-1 draw at West Ham.

Asked about the allegations, Ancelotti said: "This is not correct. This is not true.

"The club, me, the players, have a lot of confidence in John Terry and John Terry did nothing wrong.

"He was very quiet, very calm, very concentrated for the game. No problem."

When asked whether Terry had told him the story was not true, Ancelotti added: "Yes. I have a lot of confidence in my captain."

Chelsea had earlier also defended Terry, but admitted they would be beefing up security.

A club spokesman said: "Chelsea FC host a large number of visitors at the training ground throughout the year, the majority of which are made up of club sponsors, our charity partners and supporters.

"The players play a big part in these visits and John Terry naturally has a leading role, hosting a significant number of children and their families this season through our partner charities 'Help A London Child' and 'Right To Play.'

"John has also organised a number of visits for families with sick children as a result of personal correspondence.

"Contrary to media reports and the appearance of edited video this morning the club is confident that at no time did Terry ask for or accept money in relation to visits to the training ground."

The News of the World claimed that £160,000-a-week Terry took a £10,000 payment, £8,000 of which he wanted to go to the 'Make A Wish' charity for children with the other £2,000 going to a middleman.

Chelsea, however, deny any wrongdoing and say they will be stepping up security procedures.

The statement added: "Chelsea FC gives our players room to exercise their own discretion when contacted personally with regard to visits and the club keeps security and access to the training ground at Stamford Bridge under constant review.

"However, as a result of the security breach highlighted by today's article we will be further reviewing access to our facilities and clamping down where there are gaps in the process."