The Times says the row was triggered by Ten Cate's treatment of Mikel, with Terry objecting to what he perceived as the assistant first-team coach's bullying manner as he repeatedly picked on the Nigeria midfield player during a training session last Saturday.

Terry intervened on behalf of his team-mate because of his belief that Mikel was being unfairly victimised, leading to a shouting match with Ten Cate that shocked several onlookers.