Chelsea has until Friday to respond to two charges from the Football Association of being unable to control their players during the 1-1 draw at Liverpool
Thomas Tuchel’s side were left furious at the decision to send off Reece James following a handball on the line. Referee Anthony Taylor went over to the VAR monitor and in no time, he was back to show James a straight red card which, the FA allege, led to arguments with Chelsea players that extended beyond the half-time whistle.
In a statement, the FA wrote, “Chelsea FC has been charged with two breaches of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture against Liverpool FC on Saturday 28.08.21”.
“It is alleged that Chelsea FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 48th minute of the first half and following the half-time whistle”.
“Chelsea FC has until Friday 03/09/21 to provide a response to this charge”.
Chelsea had taken the lead at Anfield through Kai Havertz but gave away a penalty just before half-time after Sadio Mane’s shot struck James on the knee and the ball bounced up off his arm while he was standing on the line.
Liverpool players immediately protested to the referee and after a check by VAR it was judged that James had moved his arm towards the ball and a penalty and red card were shown.
Mohamed Salah converted from the penalty spot to draw Liverpool level before players from both team were involved in a heated exchange.
It started when Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy booted the ball away which led to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson confronting him.
Both goalkeeper Mendy and Blues defender Antonio Rudiger were shown a yellow card for their protests in the aftermath as referee Taylor had to try to calm the situation down.
As the sides went into half time, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta was seen arguing with the referee going into the tunnel.