Cole appeals against 'tapping-up' rap

Arsenal's Ashley Cole is appealing against a Premier League punishment for his role in the England defender's "tapping up" by champions Chelsea. Cole was fined £100,000, Chelsea £300,000 and their manager Jose Mourinho £200,000 after all three were...

Arsenal's Ashley Cole is appealing against a Premier League punishment for his role in the England defender's "tapping up" by champions Chelsea.

Cole was fined £100,000, Chelsea £300,000 and their manager Jose Mourinho £200,000 after all three were found guilty last Wednesday of breaking Premier League rules by meeting at a London hotel in January.

Cole, along with the other parties, were given 14 days to appeal and a Premier League spokesman said yesterday: "I can confirm that his legal team have lodged an appeal."

A three-man Premier League appeals board will now be formed, at a date to be arranged, the spokesman said. It will comprise a legally-qualified independent chairman and two members of the FA Council.

Cole was found guilty of approaching another club with a view to negotiating a contract without obtaining the prior written consent of his club, while Mourinho was found to be in breach of a rule governing managers' conduct.

Yesterday's move came two days after Arsenal's neighbours Tottenham suspended their director of football, Frank Arnesen, saying the Dane had been approached by Chelsea without their permission.

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