Cole could face Chelsea action

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole could face disciplinary action from the club following further allegations over his private life.

The Barclays Premier League leaders insist the latest issues are a private matter for the England international, currently recovering from ankle surgery, but insist that any incidents found to have broken club rules will be dealt with internally.

A spokesman for Chelsea told Press Association Sport: "This is a private matter for Ashley Cole. Where anything is alleged to have happened on Chelsea FC time, that is an internal club matter and will be dealt with internally."

Asked if Cole would be punished if found guilty of breaking club rules, the spokesman added: "Disciplinary issues are an internal matter and will be dealt with internally."

The allegations in Sunday's newspapers come just 48 hours after Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay, acting on behalf of the owner Roman Abramovich, told the players in no uncertain terms that the club would not stand for its image being dragged through the mud any more.