Di Matteo said he believed the evidence Terry gave to Westminster Magistrates Court - that he was only repeating offensive words he thought Ferdinand had accused him of saying. Terry was cleared of a racially-aggravated public order offence but his evidence was later described as "implausible" by the FA's independent panel who banned him for four matches and fined him £220,000.
"I do not (regret supporting him)," Di Matteo said. "I do believe the evidence he gave in the Magistrates Court is exactly what happened on the day. He was cleared of any racial abuse in the Magistrates Court and we will take that as the result of it."
He added: "There was the legal process with the Magistrates Court and there was the FA process. We accept both outcomes.
"He knows his language wasn't appropriate. He let himself down and the club down and he is being punished for it."
A Chelsea spokesman, sitting beside Di Matteo, added: "We put out a statement saying we would support John through the process.
"We felt that was only right and proper to do. At the end of the process the judgment was handed down by the FA and the commission.
"On that basis we have also taken action. We don't regret supporting our player through the process.
"We think that was the right thing to do. John stands behind the evidence he gave."
Source: PA
Source: PA