Cole faces action from Blues

Ashley Cole is facing disciplinary action from both Chelsea and the Football Association over his foul-mouthed Twitter rant at the game's governing body.

Blues and England defender Cole called the FA a "bunch of t***s" on Friday after he was accused of "evolving" his statement supporting John Terry's defence against the charge he racially abused Anton Ferdinand. He looks likely to be hit with an FA charge over the outburst and Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo confirmed the left-back would also be punished by his club.

The Italian said: "We've got a social media policy at the club and there's going to be a disciplinary process - action - against the tweet and that's how I'll leave it."

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."

Cole apologised "unreservedly" on Friday for his outburst, insisting he posted it in "the heat of the moment".

The FA refused to comment on whether they would take action against Cole, but their own 'charging guidelines' in media comments and social networking cases are clear.

A breach of the rules includes: "Comments which are improper, which bring the game into disrepute, which are threatening, abusive, indecent or insulting."

Cole deleted the tweet but the FA guidelines add: "Deleting an inappropriate posting, whilst advisable, does not necessarily prevent disciplinary action being taken."

Several players have been punished for offensive tweets in recent times, including Rio Ferdinand for retweeting a comment describing Cole as a "choc-ice".