( dpa ) - Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton insisted Thursday he does not blame Ashley Cole following the Chelsea full-back's horror challenge on him.
Cole's challenge, in the 4-4 Premier League draw between the sides Wednesday, drew widespread condemnation, but earned him only a yellow card.
But Hutton said: "He went to win the ball and I've just got there quicker.
"I wasn't thinking about whether he would be sent off, I knew the challenge was high but so was the ball.
"I am not blaming him for it, I've probably done a similar challenge in my career.
"He said he never meant it afterwards and that's fine with me."