Rio Ferdinand denies racism accusations after Ashley Cole comment

Rio Ferdinand has denied accusations of racism after appearing to agree with a user who called Ashley Cole a "choc ice".

The term is often used in reference to a black person betraying fellow members of their ethnic origin by acting like a white person.



Chelsea star Cole testified on behalf of John Terry at his race trial earlier this week, where he was accused of abusing Rio's younger brother Anton.

User carltonEbanks sent a message saying: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sellout. Shame on him."

The Manchester United footballer swiftly replied: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahaha!!"



One offended user sent a complaint to the Metropolitan Police's account, saying: "Can I make a complaint about this Tweet which I find offensive from Rio Ferdinand. Unbelievable from him."

This morning, however, Rio denied any wrongdoing, having deleted the original message, insisting: "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."

Terry was found not guilty of a racially aggravated public order offence on Friday.