Chelsea Charged

Last updated : 27 September 2007 By Editor
BBC:

The Football Association has charged Chelsea for failing to control their players during the 2-0 defeat away at Manchester United on Sunday.

Assistant boss Steve Clarke has also been charged with using abusive and/or insulting words towards officials.

Chelsea were incensed by referee Mike Dean's decision to send off Nigerian midfielder Mikel Jon Obi in the first half for a challenge on Patrice Evra.

Chelsea and Clarke have until 12 October to respond to the charges.

The Blues contested Mikel's red card, but the FA rejected their appeal and his three-match ban was upheld.

England captain John Terry has not been sanctioned, after he appeared to grab Dean's red card as he was sending Mikel off.

Reports suggested Dean had included Terry's actions in his official report, but only Chelsea and Clarke have been charged by the FA.

FA statement:

"Charges have today been issued against Chelsea FC and the club's assistant coach Steve Clarke.

"Chelsea have been charged with failing to control their players during their match against Manchester United on September 23. This charge relates to the conduct of Chelsea players towards referee Mike Dean following the sending-off of Mikel John Obi.

"Steve 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 October 12 to respond to the charges."