Evra charged over Blues fracas

Ferdinand escapes action for kicking a steward

Last updated: 18th July 2008

Patrice Evra Manchester United Premier League Football Chelsea

Charges after fracas

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Patrice Evra has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association, while Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand has been 'reminded of his responsibilities to the game'.

United full-back Evra has been charged by the FA in relation to an incident at the end of his club's game with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 26th April.

After the match, several members of United's squad who had not featured in the 2-1 defeat were put through their paces in a training exercise, only to clash with Chelsea's groundstaff.

As a result of the fracas, Evra has been charged with improper conduct along with Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell, who has also been charged with using abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality/race.

Thorough investigation

An FA statement read: "The charges are the result of a thorough investigation conducted by the FA over the past three months.

"In bringing the charges, the FA used video evidence, CCTV footage and various witness statements from individuals present."

However, Chelsea have issued their own statement in response to the charges levelled against Bethell.

It read: "We believe there is no foundation whatsoever to claims that the incident which occurred after the Manchester United match on April 26 involved comments based on nationality or race, which has led to an FA charge against one of our employees.

"Chelsea FC condemn all forms of discrimination in football and society.

"Such allegations against our club are extremely serious and Chelsea will not be making any further comment until we have assessed all the implications of the charge."

Rio accident

Meanwhile, Red Devils centre-half Ferdinand has been censured by the FA following an incident in the tunnel after the final whistle.

Ferdinand inadvertently kicked a steward and there were suggestions he could face a ban, and possibly be overlooked for the England captaincy.

The FA statement continued: "The FA also investigated a post-match incident involving Rio Ferdinand and a Chelsea steward. No charge has been issued, on the basis that the incident was an accident and an apology had been made.

"In reaching its decision the FA relied largely on evidence provided by the steward in question. However, Ferdinand has been reminded of his responsibilities."