Ashley Cole has paid a heavy price for his abusive tweet

But at the same time, the Football Association, who yesterday charged Cole with misconduct for his X-rated Twitter outburst on Friday labelling them “a bunch of t***s”, will leave it up to England manager Roy Hodgson as to whether he picks the 31-year-old for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against San Marino at Wembley. Last night it looked as though Hodgson is ready to rest Cole against the Group E minnows – but not as a punishment for his outburst. Chelsea are set to dock Cole about two weeks’ wages – around £240,000 – while the FA fine for Cole, which will be his only punishment from them, is likely be about £45,000. Indications from the Cole camp were that the Chelsea star is unlikely to appeal against the charge and verdict – although he has until 4pm on Thursday to reply and it is believed a final decision has not yet been made.

Hahahahaa, well done #fa I lied did I, #BUNCHOFT***S Ashley Cole's tweet

Cole deleted the tweet on Friday afternoon and immediately apologised. Nevertheless, he is still expected to be out of pocket by nearly £300,000. Responding to the FA’s judgment in the John Terry-Anton Ferdinand racism case, Cole had tweeted: “Hahahahaa, well done #fa I lied did I, #BUNCHOFT***S”. On Sunday, Cole was again in action on the web, re-tweeting a message from a fan criticising former England star Alan Shearer, who had called for Cole to be banned from Friday’s game. There will be no suspension but Hodgson has to decide whether to play Cole and risk a possible reaction from the Wembley crowd, or leave him out.