Sir Bobby calls for Cole axe

Robson thinks defender's behaviour was 'disgraceful'

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 23rd March 2008

Sir Bobby calls for Cole axe

Cole: Criticised for behaviour

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Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson has urged Fabio Capello to leave Ashley Cole out of his side to face France on Wednesday.

Cole caught Alan Hutton with a high tackle in Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Tottenham in midweek.

Robson feels Cole should have been sent off the challenge, and he was appalled by the way the defender argued with referee Mike Riley and turned his back as he was been shown a yellow card.

Cole has been criticised for his actions but Robson thinks he should be taught a lesson by being omitted from the England team in Paris.

"I would be happy to see an England team line up against France without Ashley Cole. It would hammer home the message that what he did was unacceptable," Robson said in the Mail on Sunday.

Atrocious

"Not being picked would be a huge blow for Cole and it would show him and everyone else that the manager is not allowing that sort of behaviour.

"Cole's tackle was atrocious - it was a red card offence. But he made things worse by arguing with the referee. He then showed a complete lack of respect by turning his back on him. It was disgraceful."

Robson believes football could learn from other sports to ensure that players remain as positive role models for youngsters.

He explained: "England's rugby manager, Brian Ashton, left Danny Cipriani out of an international because he was in a nightclub. He wanted to make it clear what was acceptable and what wasn't.

"In my view, what Cole did was worse than go into a nightclub. Can you imagine what it would look like if kids saw him as part of winning England team after what he has just done? It would send out the wrong message.

"He is a great player and 'm sure he will be given the chance later on to make amends for his mistakes. But we, as a football community, need to take action."