English FA Issues Charges Against Chelsea

• The Guardian, Thursday, September 27, 2007 5 PM

More bad news for Chelsea, which has gotten off to a slow start in the English Premier League and Champions League. The Blues have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players during 2-0 loss at Manchester United. Referee Mike Dean reported the club after at least four players surrounded him following his controversial  sending-off of Nigerian John Obi Mikel.

Chelsea captain John Terry tried to grab Dean's red card but has not been charged individually by the FA. Assistant manager Steve Clarke has been charged after clashing with match officials in the tunnel at Old Trafford after the game. Chelsea, whose appeal of the Mikel red card was rejected, intends to fight the charges. It has until Oct. 12 to respond to the charges.

Mikel was issued a straight red card after a challenge on United's Patrice Evra. The Nigerian missed Wednesday night's 4-0 victory at Hull in the League Cup and will be suspended for two more games.

Read the whole story at The Guardian »