Ashley Cole Caught Playing Away: The Curse of the Chelsea Back Four

I suppose we should have expected it really. 

Ashley Cole has been in the news for two reasons today: firstly, his reported 'outrage' at the £400,000 fine laid on him by Chelsea for his alleged indiscretions, then the news that wife Cheryl Cole would be leaving him.

This morning, reports in the media suggested both Barcelona and Real Madrid had been put on alert following Ashley Cole's distaste at his club-imposed fine, prompting a casting eye at potential clubs.

Ashley Cole moaning about money? Never.

The news will come as little surprise to Arsenal fans, who remember revelations in his autobiography regarding that heart-sinking feeling when your employers offer you a paltry £58,000 a week. For shame.

Then, Cheryl Cole decides enough is enough and announces the split, allegedly by text, before heading to Los Angeles to look at alternative housing arrangements. The poor lad's head must be spinning.

They say all publicity is good publicity, but Chelsea must be feeling that that old cliche is complete rubbish.

First, captain John Terry went completely through the mill about his questionable finances and even more dubious personal life, and now another component of their back line has been exposed for the same indiscretions.

The back room staff must be tearing their hair out over members of their team playing away and the disruption it must be causing to their squad as a whole. It is a massive distraction to their title campaign and will no doubt infuriate Carlo Ancelotti.

They say bad news comes in threes. Does that mean Branislav Ivanovic will be caught with his pants down? Or maybe Petr Cech in deep with the loan sharks?

Whatever happens, Chelsea will be keen to ensure that the curse doesn't transfer to any more of their players or their title challenge could go well and truly off the rails.

This article was written by Jon Naylor for Half Volley, the half sport, half science website.