Grant senses ref' justice

Avram Grant has accused the Football Association of treating Chelsea unfairly over their behaviour towards referees this season.

The Blues boss insists other clubs have escaped punishment for similar offences - including surrounding the referee in games that ultimately led to Chelsea being fined.

The London club have been fined three times by the FA over the poor conduct of their players towards officials and Grant’s comments come in the wake of Ashley Cole’s apology to both Tottenham defender Alan Hutton and official Mike Riley.

Cole’s horror tackle on Hutton during their 4-4 draw with Spurs at White Hart Lane on Wednesday night was widely criticised, along with the way the defender turned his back on Riley as he was shown the yellow card.

However, Grant insists the FA always seem to punish the Blues for their misdemeanours even when other teams are just as guilty.

Grant said: “It is unfair from the Football Association because in the same game against Manchester United, and we saw on the video, their players ran to the referee before us – maybe they are quicker.

“The game against Derby where Michael Essien got a red card, you will see that the other team were also quicker than us to surround the referee.

“If the rule was clearer it would be better for everyone. I agree that only the captain should be allowed to go to the referee, I think that would be good.”

But Grant rejected suggestions that he could implement that rule among his own players instead of waiting for the FA to act.

“I will not say to my players they have to do this and then they come to me and say ’why are the other teams doing it and we are not?,” said Grant.

“Sometimes it affects the referee but I will not say something like that to them. I say we have to give respect to everybody and I will continue to say that to them.

“One of the red cards we got (for Mikel John Obi), against Manchester United, wasn’t only the decision of the referee.

“But it is a very difficult job for the referees. The game is much quicker now. The statistics show that players have less time to think in midfield and attack.

“The referee needs to take a decision much quicker. I think it is a very hard job and maybe it is time to let them use the video.

“I always say to my players that many things happen in football that we cannot control but we can control how we react.

“This year my players have reacted well to most of the situations so, I give credit to Ashley. He is a top professional who knows how to behave.”

Victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday will push Chelsea into second place in the Barclays Premier League, with Manchester United yet to face them in London.

But Grant does not believe that defeat for anyone of the top four on Sunday will put them completely out of the title race.

Grant added: “I don’t think any team will be knocked out the race if they lose on Sunday but there will be less chances.

“It is never finished until it is finished. That is something I’ve learned in my life. If Liverpool win against Manchester United maybe they still have a chance.”