Cole appears before inquiry

Cole’s agent Jonathan Barnett has denied he or the player met Mourinho and Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon.

But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes the meeting did happen.

“The accusations levelled at Ashley are entirely false,” said Barnett.

“Not only that, they are both appalling and offensive.

“For it to be suggested that I cynically set up a meeting with Chelsea and dragged them to it almost against their will is, quite frankly, ludicrous.

“When I gave my evidence to the inquiry I was respectfully reminded that the proceedings were confidential, and I have respected that.”

“Ashley has been asked to attend the Premier League inquiry to present evidence on Monday.

“He will honour that obligation and assist fully with their investigation.”
Meanwhile, Wenger seems convinced that there is no smoke without fire.

“This case is very sad and very unfortunate because you expect your neighbours with that power not to behave like that,” said Wenger.

“I am convinced that a meeting did take place – although that has not been confirmed.

“But I have to let the Premier League make an inquiry and make the right decision. The timing of that meeting was at least not very welcome.

“I want the Premier League to judge the case and be fair. It is down to them to take action.

“You cannot say it is normal that two days before we play Manchester United your players are tapped up.

“It is strange to me because it is just before big games.”

Wenger also confirmed that he wants Cole to stay at Arsenal and one day become club captain.

Wenger said: “My desire is that Ashley Cole stays at the club, signs a new deal and one day becomes captain of the club. I want him to stay.”

Cole was on the bench at the Reebok Stadium but Wenger said the defender’s demotion had nothing to do with the inquiry.

“The reason was for medical reasons as he had hamstring problems,” said the Gunners boss.

“The fact that I didn’t play him had nothing to do with the stories on the back pages.”