Chelsea criticised in Gallas row

Gordon Taylor has blasted Chelsea for going public in their feud with William Gallas.

PFA Slam Chelsea Statement - Video

The Blues issued a statement on Monday alleging that Gallas had threatened to score an own goal if he was selected for the opening game of the season against Manchester City.

Gallas, who has since switched to Arsenal in part exchange for Ashley Cole, has denied the claims and accused Chelsea of 'lacking class'.

And PFA chief executive Taylor has supported the French defender, insisting that the whole affair was entirely unnecessary.

"Why do they have to wash their dirty linen in public? I do not see what purpose it serves," said Taylor.

"Talking about someone threatening to put through their own goal is very damaging to the reputation of a player who has done a great job for Chelsea, and you really have to take it with a large pinch of salt.

"We have all seen William Gallas play and he has too much respect for his colleagues to even be thinking about such things.

"The player has, of course, refuted the allegations and has a choice now of whether to go to court, or to just get on with his football career.

"It just all leaves a bad taste in the mouth and I cannot see what Chelsea were hoping to achieve.

"Why did Chelsea have to spin things that way? There was no need for them to add fuel to the flames. I feel it is unnecessary."

The bad blood between Gallas and Chelsea had been brewing for some time following a summer of speculation about the player's future, but Taylor believes it is now time for the Premiership champions to do what they should have done from the start and put the past behind them.

"It would have been nice to say, `Okay, things did not work out well in the end, we appreciate what you did while you were with us in winning championships and let's move on'," Taylor commented.

"Chelsea have now got another good player in Ashley Cole through the swap deal.

"They should be remembering what William did for the club in winning two championships.

"No-one should have any complaints and they should all move on."