Ashley Cole apologises for rant

6 March 2009 10:57am

Cheryl Cole's husband Ashley has said sorry to police for a foul-mouthed tirade that led to him being arrested.

The defender said he swore out of frustration at paparazzi and not at officers.

The 28-year-old, who was arrested outside the Collection nightclub in South Kensington while Cheryl took part in a Comic Relief trek up Mount Kilimanjaro, said in a statement: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the police officers on duty last night for my language. I felt I was being harassed by paparazzi and while complaining to the police about this at the scene they did warn me to calm down, a warning that I regrettably did not heed."

He continued: "I fully appreciate that whatever frustrations I may have had with others that it was completely inappropriate to vent those in conversations with the police.

"However, I do want to make clear that I swore in frustration at the paparazzi's behaviour. I would never disrespect police officers in anyway."

Ashley added: "I take very seriously my responsibilities as a professional footballer, this includes keeping my body in the best condition.

"Although I had consumed some alcohol earlier in the evening on a night out with friends it had not been excessive.

"But I accept that the language I used on this occasion was wrong. I regret my actions and how it reflects on myself and Chelsea Football Club."

Ashley was taken to a central London police station and issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly before being released shortly after 5.30am.

The footballer racked up a £1,000 bill at the club with team-mates England captain John Terry and Michael Mancienne.

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