Cole admits FA charge over tweet

England and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has admitted a Football Association charge in relation to his profane outburst on Twitter.

The full-back labelled the FA a "bunch of t***s" on the social networking site last week after an independent regulatory commission of the governing body investigating the John Terry racial abuse case had cast doubt on Cole's evidence.

His comments were swiftly removed but the FA reacted quickly and charged the former Arsenal man, who has requested a non-personal hearing, which will determine his punishment.

A statement on the FA's website read: "Ashley Cole has admitted an FA charge in relation to a Twitter comment which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.

"Cole has requested a non-personal hearing, the date of which has yet to be set."

Cole's furious outburst was retweeted more than 19,000 times and provoked large condemnation from the footballing world.

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo had an uncomfortable press conference in the wake of Cole's tweet on Friday, although the player retained his starting spot for the Blues 4-1 win over Norwich 24 hours later.

But the 31-year-old is facing a fine of two weeks' wages - believed to be around £240,000 - by his club while an FA punishment could push the total past the quarter of a million mark.

There was no suggestion that Cole would announce his international retirement as he seeks to win his 99th cap against San Marino tomorrow.

But the player's comments prompted him to apologise to FA chairman David Bernstein, who confirmed two days ago that the England squad had been spoken to about a new code of conduct.

The new code will be in place in time for next month's friendly with Sweden in Gothenburg.

Should players fall foul of the fresh rules then the FA, in the worst-case scenario, could impose an international suspension.

"If someone transgresses in a way that brings the integrity of the team or themselves or the organisation into question, we have the ability to warn them, or if we deem it appropriate, under significant circumstances, to suspend them from England," said Club England managing director Adrian Bevington earlier this week.

Thursday's admission from Cole came just hours after club team-mate Ryan Bertrand embroiled himself in controversy on Twitter.

The 23-year-old had to apologise for a foul-mouthed rant regarding reports he had pulled out of Friday's World Cup qualifier at Wembley with merely a sore throat.

"Just to clarify.... Its not a "sore throat" Im ill. swollen glands in my neck... And constant headache for 3 days now and freezin cold," Bertrand explained on the social networking site.

"Do you think a "sorethroat" could stop me being apart of a match for my club or country? £yourf******nuts this is what every boy dreams of."

Bertrand quickly realised his error, adding: "sorry if i offended anyone by swearing as i don't encourage that type of language.

"was just disappointed at the thought of people thinking i only have a sore throat.. which is not the case.."

An FA spokesman later confirmed there would be no sanction for Bertrand, whose outburst was not aimed at anyone one in particular as opposed to Cole's broadside at the FA.

Bertrand, however, is likely to be warned of his responsibilities on Twitter.