Blues hit with conduct charge
27 Sep 2007 - 16:00:09
- Blues hit with conduct charge
Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players following the ugly scenes which resulted when John Obi Mikel was sent off against Manchester United on Sunday.
Referee Mike Dean reported the incident after being surrounded by a host of Blues players attempting to contest his 32nd minute decision to show the Nigeria midfielder a straight red card for a two-footed lunge on United's Patrice Evra.
During the incident, Chelsea and England skipper John Terry attempted to stop the official from brandishing the red card.
Mikel's appeal over the red card had already been dismissed by an FA disciplinary panel on Tuesday and the midfielder was handed a three-match ban.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's assistant manager Steve Clarke has also been charged with using abusive language towards the match officials at the end of the Old Trafford match.
"Charges have today been issued against Chelsea and the club's assistant coach Steve Clarke," confirmed an FA statement.
"Chelsea have been charged with failing to control their players during their match against Manchester United.
"This charge relates to the conduct of Chelsea players towards referee Mike Dean following the sending-off of John Obi Mikel.
"Clarke has been charged with using abusive and/or insulting words towards the match officials after the end of the match at Old Trafford.
"Chelsea and Clarke have until 12 October to respond to the charges."