Chelsea deny Ashley Cole taunted Manchester City players in tunnel

Chelsea have denied reports that Ashley Cole taunted Manchester City players in the tunnel after the Blues’ 2-1 win over the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

An eyewitness reportedly told the Daily Mirror that the England left-back had chanted ‘Thursday night, Channel Five’ in the immediate aftermath of the game, in reference to City’s place in the Europa League following their Champions League exit last week.

But Chelsea issued a statement categorically denying the claims on Wednesday. It read: “Contrary to reports, Ashley Cole did not say anything to the opposition in the tunnel after Monday’s game.

“Ashley has huge respect for the players and staff at Manchester City, many of whom he knows personally and calls friends.”