17/07/2012

Racism Investigation Launched After 'Choc-Ice' Tweet

Police are investigation a Twitter user for a possible racist comment made against footballer Ashley Cole.

Derbyshire police have launched the investigation after a user on the social networking site, believed to be from Derbyshire, referred to Mr Cole as a "choc ice".

A Derbyshire Police spokeswoman said the force had received complaints "regarding alleged racist comments".

"These concerns will be fully investigated to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed," the spokeswoman added.

The tweet was replied to by Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, who commented: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahaha!!"

Mr Ferdinand later tweeted: "What I said yesterday is not a racist term. It's a type of slang used by many for someone who is being fake."

Derbyshire Police confirmed the original "choc ice" tweet was being investigated, not Mr Ferdinand's reply.

In a statement, issued through his lawyers, Mr Cole said: "Ashley Cole 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."

(H)

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