Chelsea could be hit by three disciplinary charges after their title bid turned into a night of shame.
The FA will study Jose Mourinho’s sarcastic post-match comments, in which he “congratulated” referee Mike Dean for his “unbelievable” performance in the Blues’ shock 2-1 defeat by Sunderland. The Chelsea manager added that referees’ boss Mike Riley had “organised things with referees doing well according to their objective”.
Mourinho’s assistant, Rui Faria, will almost certainly be hauled into the dock after Mourinho had to physically restrain him from confronting Dean following the Black Cats’ controversial late winner from the penalty spot.
And midfielder Ramires faces a retrospective four-match ban for elbowing Sunderland’s Seb Larsson off the ball – which would end his Premier League campaign.
In all three cases, Wembley chiefs will await Dean and fourth official Phil Dowd’s reports before deciding whether to lay any charges.
The ambiguity of Mourinho’s hissy-fit – harmless at face value in print, but delivered with heavy sarcasm – means the FA may have to consult lawyers for guidance.
The Special One, who has already been sent to the stands twice this season, flies with his squad to Spain today ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid with another cloud hanging over him.
Written by Steve Milne
