Chelsea defender Ashley Cole was last night arrested and issued with a fixed penalty notice (an on-the-spot fine) of £80 for conduct that police officers felt was 'drunk and disorderly'.
Cole was alleged to have confronted police officers, swearing at them in an embarrsssing incident which occurred outside a luxury party, reportedly being held as a charity benefit event, last night. He spent three hours in custody at a local police station, before being released.
Today, he has issued a statement via Chelsea's official website, explaining his actions.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the police officers on duty last night for my language," the statement begins.
"I felt I was being harrassed 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 conversation 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 any way.
"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."
Whether Cole will be subject to any additional club discipline has not become clear as yet.
Cole was alleged to have confronted police officers, swearing at them in an embarrsssing incident which occurred outside a luxury party, reportedly being held as a charity benefit event, last night. He spent three hours in custody at a local police station, before being released.
Today, he has issued a statement via Chelsea's official website, explaining his actions.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the police officers on duty last night for my language," the statement begins.
"I felt I was being harrassed 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 conversation 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 any way.
"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."
Whether Cole will be subject to any additional club discipline has not become clear as yet.