Sky Sports sources understand Chelsea and England defender Ashley Cole will be charged by the Football Association later on Monday over his abusive tweet.

The 31-year-old branded the FA a "bunch of t***s" via his Twitter account on Friday after he was accused of "evolving" his statement supporting John Terry's defence against the charge he racially abused Anton Ferdinand.

The FA are now poised to take action over the outburst, while Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed the left-back also faces disciplinary action from the club.

The Italian said after Saturday's win over Norwich: "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."

Cole apologised after his outburst through his solicitor after the tweet was quickly deleted.

He said: "I was really upset and tweeted my feelings in the heat of the moment. I apologise unreservedly for my comment about the FA."

The defender is likely to be made to wait to win his 100th England cap, with manager Roy Hodgson already expected to rest him for the World Cup qualifier with minnows San Marino at Wembley on Friday.

Cole could collect his 99th cap against Poland the following week, meaning it might be the friendly with Brazil in February when he reaches the milestone.