Football Association chairman David Bernstein has revealed that Ashley Cole apologised to him personally on Monday night over his offensive Twitter message.
Bernstein stressed that England manager Roy Hodgson will decide whether the full-back plays against San Marino in Friday's World Cup qualifier. Cole was charged with misconduct by the FA over his Twitter outburst on Friday in response to the independent regulatory commission's damning judgement on his evidence in the John Terry racial abuse verdict.
Bernstein, speaking to Radio 5 Live ahead of the official opening of the National Football Centre at St George's Park in Burton, revealed that Cole had followed up his apology to the FA on Friday with a personal apology. Bernstein said: "He apologised immediately on Friday and he came to see me last night and apologised to me personally."
The FA chairman continued: "He showed real contrition. He said he was really sorry. He is free to play for England over the coming matches. It is up to the manager to decide whether he plays or not."
