Cole plans charity donation after Ghana jibes

AFP, Thursday 21 Apr 2011

West Ham and England striker Carlton Cole wants his £20,000 ($32,000) fine for his controversial comments about Ghana fans to be donated to a Ghanaian charity

Carlton Cole

Cole used the micro-blogging website Twitter to make some ill-judged remarks about the large numbers of Ghana supporters at Wembley for last month's friendly draw against England.

He tweeted: "Immigration has surrounded the Wembley premises! I knew it was a trap! Hahahaha.

"The only way to get out safely is to wear an England jersey and paint your face w/ the St. George's flag!"

However, Cole, 27, revealed on Thursday via his Twitter account that he would ask the English Football Association to ensure that his fine be donated to a Ghanaian charity.

He wrote: "I will be asking to donate the money to a Ghanian (sic) charity of my choice, preferably to a children's charity.

"Hopefully the money will be going to a good cause.

"Sorry if I have offended anyone but there was no malice & harm meant.

"I never knew a light hearted joke would cause so much offence."           

Short link: