France international defender Gallas joined London rivals Arsenal in the deal that saw the equally disaffected Ashley Cole move in the opposite direction just minutes before the transfer window closed last Thursday.

Chelsea have sensationally alleged that Gallas threatened to make deliberate mistakes on the pitch, score an own goal and even get himself sent off, if they forced him to play against Manchester City in the opening match of the new Premiership campaign.

Gallas responded to Chelsea's claims on Tuesday, denying the allegations and observing that the Stamford Bridge outfit "lacked class."

Now PFA boss Taylor has intervened in an attempt to end the feuding. But he is critical of Chelsea for provoking the slanging match.

Taylor said: "Why do they have to wash their dirty linen in public? I do not see what purpose it serves.

"Talking about someone threatening to put through their own goal is very damaging to the reputation of a player who has done a great job for Chelsea, and you really have to take it with a large pinch of salt.

"We have all seen William Gallas play and he has too much respect for his colleagues to even be thinking about such things.

"The player has, of course, refuted the allegations and has a choice now of whether to go to court, or to just get on with his football career.

"It just all leaves a bad taste in the mouth and I cannot see what Chelsea were hoping to achieve.

"Why did Chelsea have to spin things that way? There was no need for them to add fuel to the flames. I feel it is unnecessary."

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