Cole waits on FA charge decision

Ashley Cole (r) squared up to Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas

Ashley Cole will now have to wait until Thursday to find out whether he will be charged by the Football Association for an alleged two-finger salute.

Photographs appear to show Chelsea defender Cole making a gesture during Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal.

Referee Alan Wiley did not mention it in his post-match report the FA said it will examine all available evidence.

Reports claim it was directed at Arsenal fans who had jeered the former Gunners star throughout the match.

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"Nothing has been reported by the referee and none of the officials saw the incident," said an FA spokesman.

"If an incident is not seen by the officials it would depend on what other evidence is available, whether there's any TV footage, any photographic evidence to be considered."

Cole made an acrimonious departure from Arsenal in August last year and has since criticised his former club in his autobiography.

His move across London to rivals Chelsea made Cole an unpopular figure with Arsenal fans and Sunday's game was the first time the England defender had returned to his former club.

Cole was on the receiving end of several fierce tackles, with Cesc Fabregas booked for one challenge just before the final whistle.

It prompted an angry reaction from Cole who appeared to hit out at the Arsenal midfielder.