Cole denies pizza-throwing claims

Arsenal full-back Ashley Cole has dismissed speculation that he threw a pizza at Alex Ferguson after last week’s stormy encounter with Manchester United.

Ferguson had to change his clothing for a television interview after reportedly being hit by pizza and soup in the tunnel fracas which followed United’s 2-0 win over the Gunners.

It has been suggested Cole was one of the Arsenal players involved in retaliation for being fouled by Ruud van Nistelrooy during the match.

However, Cole told the News of the world: “There is now way I would throw anything at Sir Alex. I have too much respect for myself and far too much respect for him as a manager to do something like that.”

Cole is still angry over the challenge by Van Nistelrooy, which resulted in the Dutchman being banned for three games.

“I felt sore, both physically and mentally, after that game,” added Cole, who revealed he has not had a personal apology from the United striker.

“All of us felt we were robbed and once the final whistle had blown, the realisation that our unbeaten run had come to a bitter end began to sink in.

“I felt frustrated, angry and exhausted. But I did not feel reckless enough to shame myself by throwing food at anyone, especially the manager of Manchester United. I just wanted to get out of there so I could get on with the business of putting the result behind me – and to get some treatment for the injury caused by Van Nistelrooy.

“Although I try not to think about it, I know I was lucky not to have suffered far worse damage.”