Purse the Muppet

It was all because of a challenge by Cardiff central defender Darren Purse, it was high and referee Andy Hall took the only action possible and that was to send him off.

Cole was raging on the pitch, and then sprinted to and up the tunnel after receiving initial treatment for an injury that required ten stitches. He also had plenty to say after the game.

"Pick up your pens lads," he said to waiting journalists. "I've got something to say," he added as they got their pens ready after seeing a chunk missing out of his leg.

"Nothing happened in the tunnel, but I did go after Purse," Cole said. "It was one of the worst tackles I have had in my career. I have played the game at the highest level for 18 years and some muppet tries to challenge me like that. He can't play anyway. He was saying I went high, but if I did how high did he go? I have 10 stitches at the top of my shin."

And in response to Cardiff manager Dave Jones' suggestion that he needed to take a look at himself, Cole added: "After the career I have had what Dave Jones thinks is irrelevant anyway. I don't need to take a look at myself, he should take a look at himself. If I only play two games next season I hope it is Cardiff home and away."