Chelsea are in serious danger of being docked points in the Premier League after their mass brawl with Manchester City during last week’s match.
Both clubs have been charged by the FA with failing to control their players after the clash which was sparked off by Sergio Aguero’s horror tackle on David Luiz.
Aguero and City midfielder Fernandinho saw red, before every player on the pitch got involved, as well as some substitutes and club officials from both sides.
And now the Sunday Mirror reports that it could cost Chelsea dearly – and could even see them become the first club to be deducted league points since Manchester United and Arsenal were docked a point and two points respectively after their players were embroiled in a mass brawl at Old Trafford in 1990. On that occasion Arsenal went on to win the title.
But this time it could be Chelsea who are punished because this is the fifth time in just over a year and a half that the club has been in trouble for breaching FA Rule E20 which covers the behaviour of players.
The last time was when they clashed with Tottenham last season. On that occasion Chelsea were fined £375,000 – reduced to £290,000 on appeal – while their behavioural record was branded “abysmal” by the independent commission that adjudicated the case.
The commission also warned that if Chelsea continued to offend, a points deduction could follow.
The statement read: “The Board is satisfied the greater fine on Chelsea fairly reflects its role in the incident and its lamentable recent record for failing properly to control its players. The time cannot be too far distant when a Commission concludes the only proper sanction is a points deduction.”
According to the Mirror, Chelsea have asked the FA for a personal hearing because they are aware of the points deduction threat.
Diarmuid Connolly makes his long overdue GAA Hour debut and talks to Colm Parkinson about everything from the black card to his rivalry with Lee Keegan and how he honed the ability to kick accurately with either foot.
