FA launch investigation with Branislav Ivanovic accused of BITING James McCarthy
THE FA have reportedly launched an investigation into Branislav Ivanovic's clash with James McCarthy during Chelsea's 1-0 win over Everton last night.
Branislav Ivanovic could be banned for his clash with James McCarthy
Ivanovic grabbed McCarthy in a headlock and appeared to headbutt the Toffees midfielder after Gareth Barry was sent off.
And there have even been suggestions that Ivanovic BIT McCarthy - although video footage doing the rounds on social media is inconclusive.
But according to reports, the FA are looking into the altercation and could hit the Chelsea defender with retrospective action.
And there have even been suggestions that Ivanovic BIT McCarthy - although video footage doing the rounds on social media is inconclusive.
But according to reports, the FA are looking into the altercation and could hit the Chelsea defender with retrospective action.
Ivanovic grabbed McCarthy in a headlock as a melee broke out at Stamford Bridge
Ivanovic was the victim of Luis Suarez's infamous bite in April 2013 - which saw the then Liverpool striker banned for 10 games.
The melee involving both teams at Stamford Bridge was already the subject of an investigation and both teams may be charged for failing to control their players.
Referee Jon Moss is due to submit his report this morning but is not expected to include in it that he saw what happened.
That could pave the way for the FA to ban Ivanovic retrospectively, with a potential three-match suspension ruling him out of the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham.
The melee involving both teams at Stamford Bridge was already the subject of an investigation and both teams may be charged for failing to control their players.
Referee Jon Moss is due to submit his report this morning but is not expected to include in it that he saw what happened.
That could pave the way for the FA to ban Ivanovic retrospectively, with a potential three-match suspension ruling him out of the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham.
Blues manager Jose Mourinho refused to discuss the issue after the match and walked out of an interview with the BBC.
"Did Branislav Ivanovic go in with his head? Don't make me laugh. Don't make me laugh," he said.
He was happy with Willian's late winner however, adding: "It's beautiful to win in the last minute.
"Everton have to be very disappointed. They changed their DNA - they defended really well and made lots of fouls. Intelligent fouls. But if the referee follows the rules it's yellow card, yellow card and they paid the price."
"Did Branislav Ivanovic go in with his head? Don't make me laugh. Don't make me laugh," he said.
He was happy with Willian's late winner however, adding: "It's beautiful to win in the last minute.
"Everton have to be very disappointed. They changed their DNA - they defended really well and made lots of fouls. Intelligent fouls. But if the referee follows the rules it's yellow card, yellow card and they paid the price."
