Chelsea charged by FA

Chelsea have been charged with failing to control their players over the fracas that erupted following the sending-off of Mikel John Obi during their 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday.

Referee Mike Dean reported the club to the Football Association after at least four players surrounded him after he issued a straight red card to the Nigerian midfielder.

Chelsea skipper John Terry escaped an individual charge after apparently trying to grab the red card from the referee, but assistant coach Steve Clarke faces disciplinary action for using abusive or insulting language to the match officials.

Chelsea and Clarke have until October 12 to respond to the charges, which could result in a heavy fine for the club and a touchline ban for Clarke.

Mikel received a three-match ban earlier this week after failing to have the red card, awarded for a late tackle on Patrice Evra, overturned on appeal.