Police to investigate Ashley Cole 'choc ice' tweet mentioned by Rio Ferdinand

Mere days after John Terry was cleared of racism at a much-publicised trial, Derbyshire Police are understood to be investigating a tweet by a man from the local area that branded Chelsea player Ashley Cole a "choc ice".

The tweet came to wider attention after Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand responded: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahaha!!"

It's particularly pertinent that Ferdinand is involved, seeing as it was his brother Anton who had been the alleged victim of Terry's alleged racist abuse.

According to reports, Derbyshire Police are investigating the local man's post and not Ferdinand's, following a number of complaints from the public.

Ashley Cole had stood as a witness at Terry's trial and testified that his team captain was not racist.

The term 'choc ice' means someone who is black on the outside and white on the inside.

In a statement issued by his lawyers, Cole said: "Ashley Cole has been made aware of the discussion following comments appearing on Twitter and wishes to make it clear that he and Rio Ferdinand are good friends and Ashley has no intention of making any sort of complaint.

"Ashley appreciates that tweeting is so quick it often results in off-hand and stray comments."

Rio Ferdinand also tweeted: "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."

Image: Getty