According to his solicitor Graham Shear, the appeal to the Permier League (fat chance), the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and possibly beyond, will not only be based on the facts of the case but also on the "restraint of trade issues".

Am I alone in being a little confused by this? It'd be easier to understand if they could decide whether to argue that he didn't approach Chelsea, or that he should have been allowed to. At the very least, if I was arbitrating on it, the fact that I knew that if I decided that he did the deed he was going to go on to argue that he should be allowed to would make the former decision kind of straightforward.

If Ashley decides to take football to court, it could have huge repercussions for the game, as David Dein has been spelling out. Is that what Cole wants, a transfer free-for-all that favours the big clubs and damages job-security for players less sought-after than himself? Or does he just want to be famous like Jean-Marc Bosman?

Dein has also made it clear that as far as Arsenal are concerned, Cole's Arsenal career is not over.

"We hope Ashley does not leave. He is valuable and we intend to keep him. People learn from their mistakes. We are going to close the book now. We do not want any hostility. Life goes on. I hope the fans forgive him. We certainly have no hard feelings against him. I think he was silly and we said that in the hearing. We have got a big season ahead of us and we want Ashley to be part of our future."

He's right. The fans can forgive Cole. But only, as in the case of Vieira, if he decides to stay. If he just thinks the £100 grand is unfair (and it does seem a bit steep to be honest) then he should just appeal against the verdict. But if he really thinks there's a worthy point of principle at issue, rather than selfishness, perhaps the way to show it would be to press for his right to go looking for a big pay day, after signing a new long-term contract at Arsenal.

Apparently Mourinho and Chelsea (fined £200K and £300K + suspended 3 point penalty respectively) are likely to appeal as well.

At least it's going to give us something to talk about over the summer.