Chelsea set to launch ‘strong defence’ against FA charges

CHELSEA are to strongly defend themselves against two FA charges relating to the conduct of their players and assistant coach Steve Clarke.

The Premier League club stand accused of failing to control their players during Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.

The charge relates to the conduct of their players towards match official Mike Dean following his decision to red card Mikel John Obi for his tackle on United defender Patrice Evra.

The will also contest the FA’s decision to charge Clarke with using foul and/or insulting behaviour to match officials after the game.

Chelsea’s appeal against the Mikel red card was rejected on Tuesday and he was banned for three matches.

But the Blues are now ready to launch a “strong defence” against the FA’s latest move.

Meanwhile, UEFA are set to allow Avram Grant to coach his Chelsea players from the touchline in next week’s Champions League game against Valencia even without a Pro Licence.

Under UEFA’s club licensing system, coaches at clubs in the Champions League have to have the highest qualification available.

It is understood however that UEFA will permit the Israeli to carry out his duties unrestrained during the 12-week period of grace allowed by the Premier League while the issue over his licence is sorted out.

Chelsea coach Grant said yesterday he fears the day the speculation regarding the possible appointment of another new manager at Stamford Bridge grinds to a halt.

Grant’s stance on the issue may appear unusual as he has only been in the job a week and yet Marco van Basten and Jurgen Klinsmann have been mentioned as potential replacements.

Yet Grant appreciates the size of the shoes he has to fill after Jose Mourinho’s shock departure last week, and the high profile of the club.

As far as Grant is concerned, if there was no speculation, then something would be amiss at Stamford Bridge.

“I expect the speculation, and I’m sure there will be more names linked,” said Grant. “As long as I am at Chelsea then there will be names, like any other coach’s job. It was the same for Jose, for (Claudio) Ranieri. It is a top club and everybody wants to coach here. That’s reasonable.

“The day there is nothing like this in the papers, then I will think something is wrong.”

The rumours are something Grant will have to continue to live with until the time — should it arrive — he has silenced his critics.

He may be under intense scrutiny, but the Israeli put the situation into context, adding: “When I get up in the morning I kiss my children — that’s what is important to me.

“I need to work, while for other people their job is to write. I don’t want to replace them — although maybe some of them want to replace me! But this is my job. You can say whatever you want, it’s fine by me.”