Rio Ferdinand has copped a £45,000 (R588 000) fine after the Football Association took action over his response to a "choc ice" tweet.

The Manchester United defender was charged by the governing body in July for bringing the game into disrepute and making improper comments on Twitter in the wake of the John Terry trial.

Ferdinand had responded to a remark on the social networking site labelling Chelsea defender Ashley Cole as a "choc ice" following his appearance in court as a defence witness for Terry.

The Blues captain was on trial last month for the alleged racial abuse of Ferdinand's younger brother, Anton, but has since been acquitted of the charge although he still faces action from the FA.

A Twitter user had said: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him," to which the Red Devils stalwart replied: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic! hahahahahahha!!"

His comment caused quite a stir as the term "choc ice" could be interpreted to mean someone being black on the outside and white on the inside. The 33-year-old subsequently denied being racist towards Cole, while also contesting the FA charge.

However, the FA have found Ferdinand guilty, confirming in a statement: "The commission decided that the comment was improper and brought the game into disrepute.

"In addition, the commission found that the breach included a reference to ethnic origin, colour or race."