Former Socceroo Scott Chipperfield has come under fire for sending a tweet regarding an Ivory Coast player that was interpreted as being racist.

While watching the Ivory Coast's come-from-behind 2-1 World Cup victory over Japan on TV, Chipperfield tweeted of midfielder Serey Die: "Serey die looks like a typical African. Forget how to play. Need brains to play football."

Scott Chipperfield playing for the Socceroos in 2009 Credit:Getty

The tweet was deleted quickly, but it did not prevent Chipperfield from being on the receiving end of a torrent of abuse from some of his followers, who total more than 6000, as well as other professional players.

Wellington Phoenix veteran and Barbados international Paul Ifill launched a scathing rebuke of Chipperfield. "How ironic is this tweet what a numbskull," Ifill wrote in a message accompanied by a screenshot of Chipperfield's jibe.