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'GOOD FRIENDS': Ashley Cole (left) and Rio Ferdinand

POLICE HAVE confirmed that they are investigating a racist comment on social network website Twitter that was directed towards Chelsea footballer Ashley Cole.

The tweet was sent in relation to Cole giving evidence in favour of caucasian team-mate John Terry who was cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence involving Queens Park Ranger player Anton Ferdinand on July 13 at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Cole, who is of mixed Bajan and British heritage, told the court that Terry was not a racist.

The tweet said: “Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him."

On July 14, Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand, brother of Anton, said in response to the tweet: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahahha!!"

In this case the term ‘choc ice’ means someone betraying their own race in reference to the choc ice frozen snack which is brown on the outside and white on the inside.

Following a number of complaints made on his Twitter account, the 33-year-old Ferdinand added on July 15: “What I said yesterday is not a racist term. Its a type of slang/term used by many for someone who is being fake. So there."

It understood that the person who originally tweeted the ‘choc ice’ comment is from the Derbyshire area and Derbyshire police said that they will investigate after receiving several grievances.

“We have received complaints from members of the public regarding alleged racist comments made on a social networking site,” said a spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary.

“These concerns will be fully investigated to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed."

Cole, 31, said in a statement issued by his lawyers: "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."

A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester police confirmed that they were not investigating the comments made by Ferdinand.