Wenger - Go easy on Cole

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Last updated: 16th December 2007

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Cole: Set for hostile reception

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Arsenal boss Arsenal Wenger hopes that Gunners fans give Chelsea's Ashley Cole a 'fair reception' on Sunday.

Cole missed last season's trip to the Emirates Stadium through injury, however he is line to start this time round.

The 26-year-old left-back parted ways with Arsenal last summer, with William Gallas heading in the other direction.

The Blues defender could be set for a barrage of abuse during the fixture after his transfer to Stamford Bridge was surrounded in controversy.

Resentment

Cole's involvement in the 'tapping-up' scandal and criticism of the club in his book over wages still sits uneasily with some Gunners fans.

However, Wenger hopes that the England international receives a positive reception.

"I want our fans to be behind our team and not to especially have resentment with Ashley Cole because he has done well for the club as long as he has been here," he said.

"Ideally, you want everybody who has played for you to be respected.

"Usually we have players that come back here and get very good treatment - Patrick Vieira came back with Juventus and they still chanted his name. It depends on the circumstances.

Respect

"The difference is that people didn't accept the way Ashley Cole left.

"But for me frankly it is a minor problem. You want him to be respected when he comes back like he deserves.

"Ashley wanted to leave, so the only way we could act was to get somebody else in compensation and we are happy with what we've got.

"What is over is over, and you have as well to take a distance with that.

"Ashley has been educated here, he has done well for us and overall we want him to get a fair reception."