Manchester United FC

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United poised for Evra appeal

06 Dec 2008 - 10:26:02

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Manchester United are all but certain to appeal against the four-match suspension handed down by the Football Association to French left-back Patrice Evra.

The 27-year-old has been banned for his part in an after-match scuffle following the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on April 26 at Stamford Bridge, as well as being fined £15,000.

Evra admitted to striking a member of the Blues groundstaff, as well as pushing Sam Bethell in the chest, while Bethell's actions earned Chelsea a £25,000 fine.

A statement from the Old Trafford club read: "Manchester United notes the announcement from the FA and is disappointed with the decision and in particular considers the sanctions against Patrice Evra excessive.

"Manchester United and Patrice will consider all options once there has been an opportunity to digest the full reasons for the decision."

Chelsea responded to the verdict, by issuing a statement of their own, reading: "Chelsea would like to thank the FA for their decision that there was no racist element involved in the incident between Patrice Evra and Sam Bethell, a member of the Chelsea ground staff.

"Chelsea always strenuously denied the racist allegation and that position has been totally vindicated by the FA.

"Alleging racism is one of the most serious accusations that can be made in football.

"Chelsea has a zero-tolerance attitude towards racism and is fighting hard with the rest of football to rid all forms of discrimination from the game.

"Clearly, the incident was a regrettable one."