Former England international Ashley Cole recently spoke out about his media treatment, highlighting a perceived bias against him. Throughout his career, Cole was no stranger to controversies, including the tapping-up scandal and being dubbed “Cashley” during his move from Arsenal to Chelsea. Despite these issues, he was considered a top-class player.
During an appearance on Gary Neville’s show, Cole reflected on his past, acknowledging his mistakes but also pointing out the media’s unfavorable portrayal of him. He mentioned feeling targeted by the media and blamed them for framing his image negatively. The discussion also touched on the tapping-up scandal, where Cole recalled details involving Jose Mourinho and media scrutiny.
Neville raised the topic of Cole’s underappreciated contributions to English football, citing instances where he excelled on the field, such as containing Cristiano Ronaldo during international matches. Cole denied race playing a role in his media treatment but admitted feeling unsupported in the dressing room.
The conversation on the show challenged prevailing media perceptions, particularly in light of Ian Wright’s impassioned defense of Jude Bellingham. The treatment of young black players by the media was also discussed, with calls for more diversity and respectful coverage. Despite industry challenges, there is a push for meaningful dialogue and positive change within the media landscape.