London: Chelsea defender Ashley Cole was arrested Thursday and issued with a fixed penalty notice for drunk and disorderly conduct, news reports said.

A Scotland Yard spokesman did not identify Cole, but said: "We can confirm a 28-year-old man was arrested at approximately 2.15 a.m. in Brompton Road on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.

"He was taken to a central London police station where he was issued with a fixed penalty notice for being drunk and disorderly and released shortly after 5.30 a.m."

Reports suggest Cole swore at police on leaving the Collection nightclub in Brompton Road, South Kensington.

A staff member there refused to comment on the allegation.