West Ham striker Carlton Cole faces a charge from the Football Association in relation to a comment posted on his Twitter account it was announced on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old former England striker -- who has scored just three times this season -- has been brought to book over a foul mouthed response he gave to a tweet by a Spurs fan following their 2-2 draw in the Premier League game on February 22.

"It is alleged that the comment was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brings the game into disrepute," the FA said in a statement on its official website."

Cole has until 1800GMT on Thursday, March 5, to respond to the charge.

It is not the first time that Cole has been in trouble over ill-judged tweets.

He was fined £20,000 ($30,000) by the FA in 2011 for a tweet he posted during England's friendly against Ghana that read: "Immigration has surrounded the Wembley premises! I knew it was a trap!

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