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Cole is disciplined as Hiddink warns stars
Andrew Hodgson06.03.09
Guus Hiddink sent out a warning to Ashley Cole and his team-mates that he will not tolerate any misbehaviour among his Chelsea players.
Cole was disciplined following his arrest in the early hours of yesterday morning for being drunk and disorderly but will still be in the squad for the FA Cup quarter-final at Coventry.
Hiddink refused to reveal if the England defender has been fined following his misdemenour.
The Dutchman held talks with Cole today and was clearly unimpressed by what had happened.
He also revealed he spoke to skipper John Terry — who was with Cole at the time — and the rest of the squad to deliver a stern reminder of what he expects from them.
Hiddink said: “We have an internal disciplinary process and the matter will be considered as part of that process. I sat down with Ashley this morning and spoke to him about it.
“I have spoken firmly with him about his responsibility. There are certain rules inside this club that require discipline. So I had a firm talk with him and the rest of the group about this.
“He will be in the squad for tomorrow's match at Coventry. And what is good about this is he apologised to the police officer involved. In my opinion he overreacted in his response to the police when he asked for help. And he went too far. In the end, if he apologises publicly then we should close the case otherwise we will be going on for many days.
“And we have a cup game and I want to put it in its right place.
“Of course, I was disappointed and that's why I had this firm talk.”
Hiddink said the team that travel to the Ricoh Arena tomorrow must now show the right attitude against Coventry.
He added: “They must not show behaviour that is against the team. You have to put it into perspective.
“I spoke to him in private this morning and he explained what happened in detail.
“I have also spoken to Ray Wilkins about the situation.
“I am a strict disciplinarian but you have to judge the circumstances of every individual incident. He said he was harassed a little bit.”
Meanwhile, defender Paulo Ferreira has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The Portuguese star damaged a cruciate ligament in training this week.
Reader views (7)
The fella has offered a public apology - let it rest. No excuses for his behaviour (he'll know that) and he's got worse to come - when his missus gets back from climbing Kilimanjaro !
- Charlie, Nr. Crackpot, North Yorkshire
it's not right what he done but he was at a clic sargeant charity gig before so cut him some slack having so called "photographers" hounding him remember gerrard is on a assult rap
- Stu, woking surrey
I have been a chelsea fan for 40 years and I think his behaviour is disgraceful - yet again. I totally agree with the comment lack of respect to Chelsea and the fans who pay his wages and he should be severely punished by the Club and England
- Sue Smith, chichester
As a professional, highly paid athlete, Cole demonstrates yet again his lack of respect to his team and the supporters who pay his wages.
- Paul, Hertfordshire
A 160K fine wouldn't bother such a highly paid (and deeply unpopular)player!
- Tim Burgoyne, Addlestone UK
When are they going to be treated exactly the same as everyone else? If I was drunk and disorderly and then said sorry I doubt if I would then be allowed to go home and have Cheryl Cole jump into bed beside me. This unfairness has to stop!!
- John, Aberdeen, UK
As a long standing Chelsea fan I'm appalled by Cole's behaviour, not just in relation to this issue but his demeanour & behaviour overall when faced with authority. The sooner he leaves Chelsea the better
- Malcolm, London
