Thursday Mar 20 2008 16:21
Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole has apologised for his conduct during the 4-4 draw with
Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
England international Cole was cautioned for a dreadful late challenge on Alan Hutton shortly before half-time and reacted angrily to being booked by match referee Mike Riley.
However, having been given time to reflect on his actions, Cole has decided to say sorry for his display of petulance.
He told the club's official website: "I'd like to apologise to anyone I offended and, of course, Alan Hutton.
"I didn't mean to go in hard that way, it was high, but I tried to read the ball and get the ball first, but he was a little bit too quick for me.
"It wasn't malicious and I'm a little disappointed with what people are saying, that I meant it.
"Of course it was a bad tackle at the time, but in the heat of the moment you want to win the game and win every tackle.
"I'm an emotional person, things can happen on the pitch very quickly, but I didn't mean to disrespect the referee. I recognise this is a part of my game that I need to work on and control."
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