Chelsea's defender Ashley Cole was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in the early hours of Thursday morning. The England international had earlier attended an official charity event with the rest of the Chelsea squad.

He was taken to a central London police station where he was given a fine of £80.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "We can confirm a 28-year-old man was arrested at approximately 2.15am in Brompton Road on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

"He was taken to a central London police station where he was issued with a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly and released shortly after 5.30am."

A source told The Times: "He came out of the nightclub and was being abusive to the photographers and was then abusive to the officers that were called while they were talking to him.

"I think it was the rantings of someone who had maybe had a little too much to drink."

A spokesperson for Chelsea said: "We are aware that Ashley was detained last night. We will want to establish all the facts before commenting."

It is expected the club will fine Cole two weeks' wages - £160,000 - for a breach of club discipline, the maximum allowed under PFA regulations.