Thursday Mar 23 2006 16:33
The FA have charged
Chelsea for the second time this month with failing to control their players, this time in relation in Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Fulham.
The new charge relates to the Blues' conduct following William Gallas' red card in the closing stages of the Craven Cottage defeat.
A group of players surrounded match referee Mike Dean and assistant Andy Williams following the dismissal.
Gallas has been warned as to his future conduct after making a 'thumbs-down' gesture to Cottagers fans as he left the pitch following his red card.
Chelsea have until April 7 to respond to the charge, which is the same as they received for incidents relating to the win at West Brom on March 4.
A statement on the FA's official website read: "Chelsea FC have today been charged with failing to control their players during the match at Fulham on March 19.
"The charge relates to the conduct of Chelsea players following the red card shown to William Gallas in the final minute.
"Referee Mike Dean and assistant referee Andy Williams reported to the FA that, in their view, a number of players had surrounded Williams in an aggressive manner.
"Mike Dean also confirmed that, in his view, the conduct of Fulham players in the 57th minute did not warrant a report to the FA.
"The FA has written to William Gallas warning him to his future conduct in relation to his gestures to Fulham fans following the sending-off.
"The FA is also investigating the pitch invasion following the final whistle and has requested detailed reports from the police and Fulham FC."
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