Andy Cole

Twong · Andy Cole

From The Daily Star...

ANDY COLE IS 'WIFE BEATER'

26th February 2008
By John Mahoney

SOCCER star Andy Cole spent all yesterday in police cells after being arrested for allegedly beating up his wife.

The former Manchester United hotshot had just returned home from the christening of his footie mate Dwight Yorke’s baby son.

Cole, 36, had arrived at former United pal Dwight’s pad for the bash at 7.30pm on Sunday – 90 minutes after his childhood sweetheart bride Shirley, 33.

Sunderland midfielder Dwight, also 36, was celebrating the christening of his six-month-old son Brandon Tiger.

Cole was arrested at his new £2.4million mansion in the early hours of yesterday and taken to a specialist police custody unit for questioning.

Cole, who won 15 England caps, lives just a corner kick away from Dwight in upper-crust Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

A pal said: “Andy and Shirl have known each other forever, but their relationship has been fiery along the way.

“They went separately to the christening at Dwight’s place for whatever reasons, and both seemed in good spirits while they were there.

“However, what on Earth kicked off when they got back home, only they really know.”

It is not known who called police. Last night the striker was still being questioned.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “A 36-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of a domestic assault.”

Nottingham-born Cole dazzled 150 wedding guests with a gold suit when he tied the knot with Shirley in Wilmslow, Cheshire in July 2002.

The former Newcastle star is currently on loan from Sunderland at Champion-ship side Burnley.

The club’s manager Owen Coyle, 41, was told yesterday about the alleged bust-up.

But the Lancashire team refused to comment last night.

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