United's Evra and Chelsea groundsman charged with improper conduct

13 April 2012

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell have been charged by the Football Association.

The move comes following an exhaustive inquiry into events which occurred at Stamford Bridge immediately after United's defeat to Chelsea on April 26, the hosts winning thanks to a disputed Michael Ballack penalty.  

Evra and Bethell were involved in a heated exchange during the visitors' warm-down.

Flare up: Manchester United's Patrice Evra clashes with Chelsea ground staff on April 26

Flare up: Manchester United's Patrice Evra clashes with Chelsea ground staff on April 26

Pulling the trigger: Bethell appears to line up a punch at Evra

Pulling the trigger: Bethell appears to line up a punch at Evra

Melee: stewards rush to break up the fight at Stamford Bridge

Melee: stewards rush to break up the fight at Stamford Bridge

The FA have taken witness statements during their investigations and while Evra and Bethell have both been charged with improper conduct, the Chelsea man has also been accused of using 'abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality/race'.  

As a player, the punishments for Evra, if found guilty, range from a fine to a ban.  

No date for the hearing has been set and with both clubs on pre-season trips, it may be a while before it is arranged. 

'The charges are the result of a thorough investigation conducted by the FA over the last three months,' read an FA statement.

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

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