Ashley Cole faces action from Chelsea and FA over rogue tweet

Ashley Cole faces disciplinary action for his tweet over the John Terry case despite apologising for it. Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Ashley Cole could face a double punishment for his splenetic reaction to the FA disciplinary panel's suggestion that he gave unreliable evidence in the John Terry racism case. Chelsea are launching an internal disciplinary procedure against the left-back. "We've got a social media policy at the club and there's going to be a disciplinary process – action – against the tweet," said the manager, Roberto Di Matteo, who added: "I'm not against social media but it has to be used with responsibility."
Chelsea refused to confirm the nature of any punishment but it could be a two-week fine, which would cost Cole in the region of £200,000. Di Matteo revealed he had discussed the matter with the 31-year-old, adding: "You would understand that's a private conservation."
The FA refused to comment on whether they would take action against Cole but their own guidelines are clear. A breach includes: "Comments which are improper, which bring the game into disrepute, which are threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting."