Chelsea's Ashley Cole has apologised to Tottenham defender Alan Hutton for his high, studs-up challenge in the 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane.The England defender has also stressed he did not mean to disrespect referee Mike Riley by turning his back on the official while he was trying to book him for the challenge on Wednesday night.

"I'd like to apologise to anyone I offended and of course Alan Hutton who I tackled," Cole said after watching both incidents on television this morning.

"I didn't mean to go in hard that way. It was high but I tried to read the ball and get the ball first, but he was a little bit too quick for me.

"It wasn't malicious and I'm a little disappointed with what people are saying, that I meant it.

"Of course it was a bad tackle at the time but in the heat of the moment you want to win the game and win every tackle, and as I said I'm sorry for Alan, but it was never meant."

Cole has been roundly criticised for his conduct towards Riley after the incident but the 27-year-old said everything happened in the heat of the moment and he did not intend to be discourteous.

But he accepted his behaviour was something he had to concentrate on keeping a grip on in the future.

"I'm an emotional person, things can happen on the pitch very quickly but I didn't mean to disrespect the referee," he added on Chelsea TV.

"I recognise this is a part of my game that I need to work on and control."

Spurs assistant Gus Poyet was angry with the fourth official then confronted Cole at half-time when he walked down the tunnel.

"I was angry that everyone jumped on him, including their bench," said Chelsea boss Avram Grant.

"When we do these things people say we are not behaving right."

The Football Association have this week tried to encourage more respect for officials, and Chelsea have been guilty in the past of surrounding referees.

They received a £40,000 fine for their conduct in the clash against Derby, but Grant added: "We give a lot of respect to the official, if you see our players they don't have a problem with these things."

Cole's tackle was one of the main talking points of the thrilling 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane, with Riley put in the spotlight as well.

The West Yorkshire official was only just back in middle following a weekend off after being criticised in Blackburn's draw with Fulham.

After the bad-tempered clash at White Hart Lane, Chelsea lost ground in the Premier League title race.

Grant's men host Arsenal at the weekend when they have another chance of changing the look at the top of the table.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of twists and turns in the title race," said midfielder Joe Cole, who scored twice against Spurs.

"We need to keep plugging away. Arsenal and Manchester United have to come to Stamford Bridge and they play each other as well.

"There are going to be lots of opportunities for us to close the gap. No-one should be written off, it's anyone's title.

"We might look back at the end of the season and thank Carlo Cudicini for the cracking saves he made, it might prove crucial.

"By Sunday we'll be up and running and looking forward to it."

England midfielder Cole was Chelsea's creative force but was taken off when Grant wanted to defend their lead.

"We're all in it together," said the midfielder. "There are 24 of us and whoever's chosen it's been a long season."

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