FA fine for Chelsea

Chelsea have been fined £10,000 (€14,378) by the Football Association after their players surrounded referee Mark Halsey during the clash against West Brom last month.

The Barclays Premiership champions were found guilty of failing to control their players and also warned about their future conduct in games following a disciplinary commission hearing.

Jose Mourinho’s side have been roundly criticised for attempting to intimidate officials this season as they head towards back-to-back domestic titles.

Against West Brom they surrounded Halsey in the 43rd minute after a foul by Ronnie Wallwork on Chelsea midfielder Claude Makelele. Chelsea denied the charge at the hearing.

It was one of a number of controversial incidents during Chelsea’s 2-1 win.

Chelsea winger Arjen Robben was sent off for a foul on Jonathan Greening, Mourinho clashed on the sidelines with his Baggies counterpart Bryan Robson. Robson was angered at Chelsea turning out late for the second half.

A statement from the FA confirmed: “Chelsea have been fined £10,000 and warned as to their future conduct for failing to control their players during a match against West Bromwich Albion last month.”

Chelsea face a similar charge of failing to control their players from a game against Fulham on March 19. This case will be heard separately but a date has not been fixed.