Cole could face FA rap
17 Dec 2007 - 09:03:56
The Football Association could opt to charge Ashley Cole after the Chelsea defender made an offensive gesture towards Arsenal fans after the final whistle in Sunday's Emirates Stadium clash between the two teams.
Cole was barracked by fans of his former club throughout the game, which the Gunners won 1-0, and finally appeared to lose his cool as the players left the pitch.
Blues boss Avram Grant backed Cole after the match, saying: "In the beginning of the game, they challenged him, made a lot of fouls on him but he is a big boy and was okay with it.
"This was not a problem. He played good. I think it gave him more motivation."
Before the game Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had called on the home fans not to boo Cole, saying: "I hope there is no resentment to Ashley as he did well for the club and ideally he deserves to get some respect.
"You want fans to pay respect to players who have played for you. What is over, is over, and you have to take that into account.
"Some players come back here and get very good treatment here. It depends on the circumstances.
"People did not accept the way Ashley left but, for me, it was a minor thing. He was educated here, he did well and we want him to get a fair reception."