Chelsea expected to escape Premier League points deduction

Chelsea expected to escape Premier League points deduction

Chelsea are almost certain to avoid a points deduction for their role in the angry melee with Manchester City.

The win over Pep Guardiola’s side was overshadowed by a mass confrontation involving players from both teams, sparked by Sergio Aguero’s challenge on David Luiz.

Both clubs have since been charged by the Football Association while it has emerged Chelsea could even be hit with a points deduction.

Chelsea were warned last season that they would risk a points deduction for more bad behaviour after being fined £375,000, which was reduced to £290,000 on appeal, for the infamous brawl with Tottenham in a clash now dubbed the Battle of the Bridge.

But Sportsmail understands such a penalty would be highly unlikely. A fine, for both clubs, will be the likely course of action by FA disciplinary chiefs.

Having received official observations from both clubs, the FA hope to release their findings later this week.

Chelsea and City were charged last week with failing to control their players after ugly scenes at the end of the game at the Etihad, when Aguero and Fernandinho were sent off for the hosts.

The FA can deduct points from repeat offenders, and Chelsea had a long list of misdemeanours during Jose Mourinho’s tenure.

Conte said: ‘We had a bad record in the past but now we are different. Why must you pay if you are involved in a situation and the fault is not yours?

‘Why? Are you joking? I don’t know what happened in the past but I know what happened in the present. At the end of the game, my players tried to keep calm. You could see this clearly. We are trying to improve in all aspects.’

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