Blues deny charge

Last updated : 21 March 2006 By Paul Lagan

Chelsea have denied a charge of failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and requested a personal hearing, says theFA.com

Chelsea were charged on 8 March in relation to an incident in the 43rd minute of Chelsea's game against West Bromwich Albion on 4 March when several Chelsea players surrounded referee Mark Halsey following a foul by WBA's Ronnie Wallwork.

Halsey reported the incident to The FA and expressed his view that a number of Chelsea players pressurised him at this time.

The referee also reported a second incident in the 61st minute of the match involving players of both clubs which occurred after a foul by Chelsea's Arjen Robben.

Following further consultation with Mr Halsey, it was decided that the conduct of players at the time of this incident did not warrant formal disciplinary action against either club under the guidelines set out by the Disciplinary Committee.