Chelsea insiders insist Cole shooting controversy blown out of proportion

There's claims the incident at Chelsea involving Ashley Cole and an air rifle has been "blown out of proportion".

The Mirror says it emerged last night that Cole, 30, was among a number of people messing about with the air-rifle inside the changing room area when it was accidentally discharged.

Sources close to the full-back were adamant that the gun does not belong to Cole and insiders played down the nature of the incident.

One dressing room source revealed: “This has been blown out of all proportion. The boy involved suffered just a scratch and was not seriously injured.”

Cole is also understood to feel he does not even need to apologise - despite the dim view taken of the matter by the Chelsea hierarchy - and that the leaking of the incident was a deliberate attempt to cause him problems.

Ashley Cole shot and wounded Blues fan with a rifle!

Ashley Cole is alleged to have shot and wounded a work experience boy at the club.

The incident happened last Sunday at the Blues Cobham training ground when Cole pulled the deadly .22 air gun from a box and fired at 21-year-old student Tom Cowan from just FIVE feet away.

A source told the News of the World: "It's truly inconceivable that a Premier League footballer could bring a gun to the training ground.

"But Ashley pulled the rifle from a box and started larking about with it in the changing room, not realising it was loaded. It ended up pointed at Tom just five feet away.

"The gun went off with a loud pop and Tom screamed as this lead pellet hit him in the side. It went through his clothing and into his flesh."

Police were not called, but injured Tom was patched up by medics and given time off to recover.

Under British law Cole could be charged with actual bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

Cheryl's divorce done in 60 seconds!

Cheryl's divorce was over in 60 seconds - and she revealed cheating Ashley's womanising was still going on.

The Geordie beauty won a quickie divorce on the grounds of the soccer star's admitted "unreasonable behaviour" and that the marriage had "irretrievably broken down".

Asked in court papers if Ashley's behaviour was continuing, Cheryl answered "Yes".

Judge Christopher Simmonds said: "Cheryl Cole cannot reasonably be expected to live with Ashley Cole."

The Chelsea and England defender has scored with a string of girls, including lapdancer Sarah Purnell, since he and Cheryl split in February.

The Girls Aloud singer replied "No" in her sworn statement on July 28 - made public yesterday - when asked if she had shared a bedroom or meal with Ashley since she filed for divorce in May.

Asked if the split affected her health, Cheryl left a blank space.

Cheryl, who is in the US, and Ashley were not present for the London hearing when District Judge Simmonds rubber-stamped their divorce.

Ashley - who must stump up the £1,500 court costs - was in the England side that played Bulgaria in a Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley. 

The end of the marriage at the High Court's Family Division was a far cry from the couple's lavish country house wedding in 2006.

They now have a six-week cooling off period before a decree absolute is granted.

Cheryl had said she did not want money from Cole. But she can expect up to £4.5million after the sale of assets and property, including their Surrey mansion.

The extent of Ashley's serial cheating emerged after The Sun revealed in January 2008 that he bedded hairdresser Aimee Walton.

Chelsea: Still in the Title Race

With only from 14 points from the last 8 games, where 24 points were on offer, Chelsea lost the top spot from Manchester United and last weekend dropped out of the top 2 for the first time all season, but with Chelsea's 5-0 drubbing of Portsmouth last night, it seems Carlo Ancelotti's side have regained some kind of form in the run in for the title.

Here's the factors for why people believe Chelsea could pip Man Utd and Arsenal to the title.



Mental Strength

Chelsea have had all sorts of issues this season; On the field the likes of Jose Bosingwa, Branislav Ivanovic, Michael Essien and Ashley Cole all picked up medium to long term injuries, along with Cravalho and Joe Cole, who have recently recovered to add to the 1st team options. While off the field the scandal of John Terry saw him lose the England captaincy, while left back Ashley Cole's marriage fell apart in the public spotlight. However one thing we have learned about the West London side is that they extraordinary mental strength whereby they have the ability to churn out results time and time again, like a machine if you will, they may not be attractive, but its effective.

The Drogba Factor

Just like Rooney for Manchester United, Fabregas for Arsenal, Didier Drogba is a man who can change games. 24 goal in 26 games, with 7 assist, speaks for itself. Read more here.


Match Winners

Throughout the Chelsea team, there are indeed key players and match winners throughout. The likes of John Terry is a vital cog in the side, leading and organizing the team. Didier Drogba, as mentioned above, and Frank Lampard who has been a lot more solid in central midfield, although not as attacking as previous seasons, allowing the attacking mantel has been taken up by one of the star performers this season; Florent Malouda. The Frenchman has 11 goals, with 6 assist so far this season. With the loss of Essien, John Obi Mikel has done a good job considering the shoes he's had to fill, along with German Michael Ballack.


Desire and Hunger

With Chelsea seemingly having the "tougher" run in towards the end of the season, it seems that with it still in their own hands, playing the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham, it remains a seriously possibility Chelsea can win their 3rd Premier League Title. Should the Blues fail to achieve that aim, then they still have the prospect of a 6th FA Cup. However the growing pressure on Anclotti, from boss Roman Abramovich is undoubtedly going to be the underlying factor in the teams success this season, even begging the question will the Italian be in charge at the start of next season?

Do you think Chelsea can win the Premiership? Do you think Carlo Ancelotti will be at the club next season? Click Follow on the right hand side, sign up and leave a comment