Chelsea hit with FA charge over referee row during Ipswich defeat | OneFootball

Blues players were left incensed after conceding a penalty at Portman Road

Chelsea have been charged by the FA for “failing to ensure their players did not behave in a way which was improper” in their Premier League defeat at Ipswich.

Blues players were left incensed with referee John Brooks when Ipswich were awarded a penalty at Portman Road after VAR ruled goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen fouled Liam Delap.

A number of Chelsea players surrounded Brooks. Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill were both booked for dissent and Fernandez had to be held back from arguing with Ipswich players.

Explaining the decision at the time the Premier League said in a statement: “The referee’s call of penalty for a foul by Jorgensen on Delap was checked and confirmed by VAR, who deemed there was sufficient contact for a penalty.”

A number of Chelsea players surrounded referee John Brooks

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Delap then put Ipswich ahead from the spot and Chelsea went on to lose 2-0.

Chelsea have until January 7 to respond to the charge.

An FA statement said: “Chelsea have been charged for surrounding a match official during the Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town on Monday, December 30.

“It’s alleged that during the 10th minute of the future, Chelsea failed to ensure that its players did not behave in an improper manner.

“The club has until January 7 to provide a response.”

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca did not challenge the penalty after the game, as Chelsea slipped to a damaging defeat.

“They said it’s a bit soft but we have to accept it’s a penalty,” said Maresca.