Chelsea have issued a statement denying reports that full-back Ashley Cole taunted Manchester City players in the tunnel following his side's 2-1 win on Monday evening.

It had been claimed that the England international sang 'Thursday night, channel five', in response to City being knocked out of the Champions League last week and being demoted to the Europa League.

However, Cole has insisted that such events never took place.

"Contrary to reports, Ashley Cole did not say anything to the opposition in the tunnel after Monday's game," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Ashley has huge respect for the players and staff at Manchester City, many of whom he knows personally and calls friends."

The 30-year-old joined the Blues in 2006 from Arsenal.