Death threat Ant’s terror dash

Posted Saturday, December 03, 2011 by The Sun

ANTON FERDINAND was forced to flee his home in terror just hours before facing Manchester City last month.

The QPR defender was moved to a 'safe house' after he became the target of a terrifying death threat in the wake of his race row with John Terry.

The Sun exclusively revealed last month that police had been called in when a letter was sent to Ferdinand's club after claims he was racially abused by Chelsea skipper Terry in a game at Loftus Road in October.

We also told how cops investigating the threat had advised Ferdinand to fit a panic alarm at his home.

But QPR boss Neil Warnock revealed yesterday his player had to leave home for his own safety on the eve of their 3-2 home defeat by City on November 5.

Warnock made the chilling revelation as he blamed the controversy for Ferdinand's recent dip in form.

The Rangers boss said: "Anton's not been himself lately. I have had words with him and Danny Gabbidon.

"Both of them have dropped their standards.

"I don't think it's a coincidence, Anton has had a lot on his plate. We have to remember he is only a human being and you've got to get your preparation right.

"Before the Man City game he had to move out of his house at 8pm. There were all sorts of things going on behind the scenes. I felt sorry for him.

"But that was not a good preparation for him. And unfortunately we didn't have anybody else to put in."

Police launched an investigation after Terry was alleged to have called Ferdinand "a f****** black ****". The Chelsea skipper denies the allegation.

The Crown Prosecution Service received a file on the case this week and will now decide whether to bring a prosecution.