Rio Ferdinand denies using racist term in tweet

Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand has denied that he was being racist after responding to a tweet describing Chelsea's Ashley Cole as a "choc ice".

Cole appeared in court as a defence witness for team-mate John Terry, who was cleared of racially abusing Rio Ferdinand's brother, Anton Ferdinand.
Rio Ferdinand said a tweet he was sent about Cole was "classic". Lawyers for Cole said he would not be complaining.

"What I said yesterday is not a racist term," Rio Ferdinand tweeted on Sunday.

"It's a type of slang/term used by many for someone who is being fake."

In the context in which the term was used 'choc ice' relates to the black and white nature of the confectionary, when an individual is supposedly being black on the outside and white on the inside.

Cole's statement 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."

Initially, Rio Ferdinand - who has played many times alongside Cole and Terry for England - received a tweet which said: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him."

The former Manchester United and England captain, 33, responded by saying: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic! hahahahahahha!!"

After Twitter users began to discuss his comments, he again tweeted: "And if I want to laugh at something someone tweets....I will! Hahahahaha! Now stop getting ya knickers in a twist!"
He later removed the initial tweet.

Although Terry, 31, has been cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence during the match between Chelsea and QPR at Loftus Road last October, he could face a charge from the Football Association.

He admitted in court he used racially sensitive words towards Anton Ferdinand during the match, but said he was repeating what he thought was an accusation from the QPR player.

-BBC