Cole tweet under investigation

Police are investigating an alleged racist tweet made out to Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, Derbyshire Police have confirmed.

The 31-year-old, who gave evidence in John Terry’s trial last week, was targeted by a man from Derbyshire who reportedly called Cole ‘choc ice’, which is used as slang to represent someone who is fake, but also carrying racial connotations.

The tweet was made out to Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who then replied to the tweet saying: “I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahaha!!”.

Derbyshire Police are said to be investigating the tweet made by the man, and Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that Ferdinand’s comments are not being looked into.

Ferdinand sought to explain that his comments were not racist, clarifying his earlier tweet: “What I said yesterday is not a racist term. It’s a type of slang/term used by many for someone who is being fake. So there.”

Liam Stacey was jailed by police for abusing Fabrice Muamba on Twitter when the Bolton midfielder collapsed on-pitch after a cardiac arrest in March.