Cole says sorry over horror lunge

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — Chelsea and England leftback Ashley Cole has apologised for a studs-up lunge at Tottenham defender Alan Hutton during the two clubs' 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane on Wednesday.

Cole was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for the wild challenge and has also been criticised for turning his back on referee Mike Riley while the official was booking him.

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

"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...