Source: Telegraph
Ashley Cole in Chelsea squad after 'firm' word from Guus Hiddink
Cole was arrested after an argument with a photographer in the early hours of Thursday morning and, while he has apologised for his behaviour towards the police, it is understood that Hiddink will impose a fine of £164,000 - two weeks' wages.
Hiddink admitted that he had also spoken with England defenders John Terry and Michael Mancienne, who had been in the same bar as Cole, but were not involved in the incident with the photographer and police.
"I have spoken firmly with him [Cole] about this and there are rules inside this club regarding going out and I had a firm talk with him and with the rest of the group," said Hiddink. "What is normal and good in this is that he apologised for his abusive behaviour to the policemen.
"I was well aware what happened with Ashley and I want to give it its right place and not overreact. He will be in the squad for the game and, to be frank and open, I have spoken to Ashley about the situation and he has publicly apologised for his behaviour to the police officer. When he asked for some help [to the police], he was, in my opinion and his opinion, overreacting abusively towards the police.
"He went a little bit too far. I think the truth has to be told and the facts have to be told, whether it is against or in favour. I think at the end if he regrets deeply and makes his apology there is a certain moment where we have to close the case. The only thing we will say is that we have internal discipline and it will be internal. I spoke firmly with him and the captain. At that moment they are out of the rules which are set by the club to a certain extent before the game."
Hiddink said that he was satisfied with Cole's reaction to their private conversation this morning, but admitted that he was disappointed by the incident.
"That is why I had this firm talk," he said. "In the past when I had some things going on with big players 10 to 12 years ago. I said you have to take responsibility to know what you are doing.
"I talked to him in private and he explained to me the details of what happened. I talked also with Ray Wilkins who is very close to me. You have to judge and every case is different.
"I tackled him on his behaviour and he said he was harassed by the photographers. That is why he reacted as he reacted and afterwards he regretted that. You cannot be rigid on this because everything has to be looked on its merits. I don't like to generalise, you can get rigid and tough without thinking. But when it is harming the direct relation for productivity in the team then I'm going to say."
With Wayne Bridge sold in the January transfer window, Hiddink is short of cover at left-back, particularly as Paulo Ferreira yesterday suffered anterior ligament damage that will keep him out until the end of the season. Hiddink does, however, have Michael Essien and Ricardo Carvalho available again.
"I am happy to have Essien and Carvalho back because they are international players and we know that if we beat Coventry then we go into the semi of the FA Cup and that is very rewarding and highly regarded around the world, so there is no specific priority now," he said.
