Cole apologises for horror tackle on Hutton and says he didn't mean to disrespect ref

The Blues full back has also made it clear he did not mean to disrespect referee Mike Riley when the England defender turned his back on the official in what many saw as a blatant act of petulance.

Cole said: "I'd like to apologise to anyone I offended and of course Alan Hutton who I tackled.

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"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, and as I said I'm sorry for Alan, but it was never meant."

Following the tackle, Cole was booked by Riley when many thought the 27-year-old should have been dismissed, especially following his reaction.

Cole added said: "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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Spurs assistant Gus Poyet was angry with the fourth official then confronted Cole at half-time when he walked down the tunnel.

"I was angry that everyone jumped on him, including their bench," said Chelsea boss Avram Grant.

"When we do these things people say we are not behaving right."

The Football Association have this week tried to encourage more respect for officials, and Chelsea have been guilty in the past of surrounding referees.

They received a £40,000 fine for their conduct in the clash against Derby, but Grant added: "We give a lot of respect to the official, if you see our players they don't have a problem with these things."

Cole's tackle was one of the main talking points of the thrilling 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane, with Riley put in the spotlight as well.

The West Yorkshire official was only just back in middle following a weekend off after being criticised in Blackburn's draw with Fulham.

After the bad-tempered clash at White Hart Lane, Chelsea lost ground in the Barclays Premier League title race.

Grant's men host Arsenal at the weekend when they have another chance of changing the look at the top of the table.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of twists and turns in the title race," said midfielder Joe Cole, who scored twice against Spurs.

"We need to keep plugging away. Arsenal and Manchester United have to come to Stamford Bridge and they play each other as well.

"There are going to be lots of opportunities for us to close the gap. No-one should be written off, it's anyone's title.

"We might look back at the end of the season and thank Carlo Cudicini for the cracking saves he made, it might prove crucial.

"By Sunday we'll be up and running and looking forward to it."

England midfielder Cole was Chelsea's creative force but was taken off when Grant wanted to defend their lead.

"We're all in it together," said the midfielder. "There are 24 of us and whoever's chosen it's been a long season."