Now, Ferdinand repentant over 'choc ice' retweet that invited FA charge

London, July 31(ANI): Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is regretful over the controversial Twitter message he forwarded, which had addressed Chelsea defender as a 'choc ice', repeating that term himself, and due to which he is facing a Football Association (FA) charge.

Ferdinand, who is one of football's most prolific tweeters and prides himself on being responsible on the social networking site, but on this occasion he repeated the rabble-rousing term often used to brand people black on the outside and white on the inside, The Daily Mirror reports.

Now, Ferdinand is facing a heavy fine after being charged by the FA with 'improper conduct and/or bringing the game into disrepute by making comments which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.'This latest twist in the tale began when Ferdinand was tweeted by pal Carlton Ebanks with a message that read: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. He's always been a sellout. Shame on him."

Ferdinand, who has three million Twitter followers, replied: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic hahahahahahha!!"

The Three Lions star later tried to defuse the exchange by saying: "It's sarcasm! But Ferdinand has found himself caught up in an FA clampdown on Twitter.

The English game's governing body has written to players, clubs and the players' union, the PFA, to warn them about their conduct on Twitter. (ANI)