Cole could escape charge

Chelsea full-back Ashley Cole is unlikely to face a Football Association charge over allegations he made a gesture towards Arsenal fans at the weekend.

The 26-year-old made his first appearance at the Emirates Stadium in Sunday's defeat following his move from Arsenal to Stamford Bridge last season. He was heavily jeered by home fans and was pictured after the final whistle apparently making a two-fingered salute towards Arsenal supporters.

FA officials had to decide whether Cole faced a charge, with the decision based on the photos and whether there is any other evidence. A final announcement is likely to be made on Thursday.

Chelsea boss Avram Grant did not feel his player had done anything worthy of punishment from officials.

"I don't think he made that reaction," said Grant.

England left-back Cole was also involved in an ugly incident at the final whistle on Sunday, grabbing Cesc Fabregas after being the victim of a late challenge by the Arsenal midfielder.

Fabregas picked up a yellow card - one of nine during Arsenal's 1-0 win - but Cole was not cautioned by referee Alan Wiley.

One tackle from Emmanuel Eboue left John Terry nursing a broken foot, and the Chelsea skipper is facing between a month and six weeks on the sidelines.

"I felt he left his studs in there and it should have been a sending off," Terry wrote in his programme notes ahead of the Carling Cup clash with Liverpool.