Former England international Joe Cole has apologised to Arsenal fans for his reaction to the Gunners' celebrations against Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta's side beat Cole's old employers 5-0 in April, with Ben White and Kai Havertz each scoring twice. The sight of fireworks after the final whistle brought a response from Cole, who spent seven years with the Blues and won three Premier League titles.
He suggested the wild celebrations were "a bit too much," though he did appear to check himself at the time. The 42-year-old was back for TNT Sports' coverage of Arsenal's home game against Bournemouth, though, and he had a chance to ask for forgiveness from those who took issue with his earlier stance.
"I didn't realise. I've got to apologise," Cole began. "Martin [Keown] gave me a bit of stick when they came and beat Chelsea and I was a bit sore.
"That's not me," he continued. "I don't want to be The Grinch. I was hearing fireworks, Arsenal fans celebrating, and I don't want to be that guy that stops the party.
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"So bring your fireworks, bring your party poppers, enjoy it, take selfies, celebrate as much as you want. I'm sorry." In response, host Lynsey Hipgrave joked that Cole was "resigning from the celebration police".
It appeared to be a case of 'apology accepted' from Arsenal supporters, with plenty of "fair play" comments sent his way. "I respect this from Joe Cole," said another. "Said something publicly in the heat of the moment which he's realized may not have been fair or sensible, and he's apologized and owned it just as publicly."
Was Joe Cole right to apologise? Have your say in the comments section
Cole's earlier comments came after Arsenal beat Chelsea 5-0 (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal went into the Bournemouth game a point clear of title rivals Manchester City, who had played a game fewer before kick-off. A North London Derby victory over Tottenham meant they also went into the game with the best attack and defence in the league, despite City picking up a win of their own at Nottingham Forest.
“Nobody has even asked about us qualifying for the Champions League! Not a single question!" manager Arteta told reporters ahead of the clash. “Now the only focus is on winning the Premier League. So next season, what is it going to be?
"These are the demands. This is how we live in this world. It is about now, what you have done and what else we have not done? The question now is what else? What do we have to do now? What you have done? Champions League football is taken for granted.
“Obviously that is the first thing we wanted to achieve, consistent Champions League football,” he said. “It is the second year in a row, a consistent challenge for big titles. We are doing this. But we know what the aim is and it is right there. Let’s see if we can do it.”
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