Cole to avoid censure

Soccer English FA Premier League:Ashley Cole is expected to avoid censure from the Football Association after appearing to flick a two-fingered salute at Arsenal fans as he left the field at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, though the Chelsea full back may yet be reminded of his responsibilities by the governing body.

Cole had been subjected to relentless abuse from the home fans on his first return to Arsenal since his controversial move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2006 and the England defender apparently snapped after the final whistle.

Yet the incident has not been included in the match report submitted by the referee, Alan Wiley, to Soho Square yesterday and was not spotted by any of the officials, leaving the FA to scrutinise photographic evidence and television footage.

However, there is a privately held acceptance that Cole is unlikely to be sanctioned on that alone, with the FA expected instead to send him a letter reminding him of the need not to react regardless of the level of provocation from the stands.

The 26-year-old was subjected to equally harsh treatment on the pitch, with Cesc Fabregas clattering him in the game's final moments which prompted Cole to cuff his former team-mate. That incident was seen by Wiley, who decided not to punish him but he did book the Spaniard.

Avram Grant will be grateful that he is unlikely to be deprived of another defender after losing John Terry for at least two months. The Israeli is expected to give Michael Ballack his first appearance of the season against Liverpool in the League Cup quarter-final tomorrow after the German's recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him out since April.

Defeat at the Emirates left Chelsea six points behind Arsenal as the African Cup of Nations, which will eat into their squad heavily in the new year, looms ever larger on the horizon. There was much regret after the first Premier League defeat to their London rivals in four years, with Petr Cech admitting his error of judgment had been pivotal to their 1-0 loss.

The goalkeeper misjudged the flight of Fabregas's corner and allowed his former team-mate William Gallas to head the only goal of the game. "It is difficult and for me I am disappointed because in the end the game was decided by my mistake. It was a mistake from me. There is no explanation or excuse." he said.

Yet, although the loss is a significant setback, the 25-year-old retains belief that Grant's side can still win the title.