Cole sorry for tirade at police

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The 28-year-old, who was arrested outside the Collection nightclub in South Kensington on Thursday, said in a statement: "I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the police officers on duty 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.

"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."

Cole, who earns a reported £82,000 a week at Chelsea, 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."

Cole 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 former Arsenal player racked up a £1,000 bill at the club on food and drink with team-mates England captain John Terry and Michael Mancienne, according to Collection's manager.

He is expected to be in the club's squad for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Coventry City. Meanwhile, his wife Cheryl was taken ill on the fourth day of a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Comic Relief.