Chelsea fined, and given warning for players' conduct

Michael Carrick (R) of Manchester United vies with John Obi Mikel of Chelsea during their Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester, north-west England, September 2007. Chelsea have been fined 30,000 pounds (60,000 dollars) and warned over their future conduct for failing to control their players during a Premier league match against Manchester United.

Chelsea have been fined 30,000 pounds (60,000 dollars) and warned over their future conduct for failing to control their players during a Premier league match against Manchester United.

The club had admitted the charge, which related to the conduct of Chelsea players towards referee Mike Dean following the sending-off of Mikel John Obi during the clash at Old Trafford on September 23.

Obi was sent off in the first half of his side's 2-0 defeat for a studs-first challenge on United defender Patrice Evra. Obi served a three-match ban immediately after the FA rejected an appeal against his red card.

The Football Association Regulatory Commission hearing also fined Blues' assistant first team coach Steve Clarke 5,000 pounds (10,000 dollars) - suspended until the end of the season - after he admitted a charge of using abusive and/or insulting words towards the match officials at the end of the same match.

The commission took into account Clarke's exemplary record over 20 years in football - but he was also severely censured and warned as to his future conduct.