2026-02-04 18:30:32
Chelsea FC and West Ham United FC have been charged by the Football Association after their stormy Premier League match at Stamford Bridge ended in a mass confrontation involving players from both sides.
It came following chaotic scenes in the closing moments of Saturday’s (31.01.26) league fixture, which Chelsea won with a stoppage-time goal.
The Football Association said the charges relate to alleged failures by both clubs to control their players’ behaviour during a melee that broke out around the 95th minute of the match in west London.
The incident followed Chelsea’s late winner and resulted in West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo being sent off for violent conduct after intervention from the video assistant referee.
In a statement released on Sunday, the FA said: “Chelsea FC and West Ham United FC have been charged following their Premier League fixture on Saturday, January 31.
“It’s alleged that Chelsea FC failed to ensure its players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 95th minute.
“West Ham United FC allegedly failed to ensure that its players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative and/or violent way at that same time.
“Both clubs have until Friday, February 6 to provide their respective responses.”
The confrontation began after West Ham debutant Adama Traore threw Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to the ground during a stoppage in play. Chelsea forward Joao Pedro then shoved Adama, prompting players from both teams to converge and spar in a sprawling touchline brawl.
Match officials eventually separated the players as the situation escalated, with several members of both squads involved.
Referee Anthony Taylor initially allowed play to continue before being directed to the pitchside monitor by VAR.
After reviewing the footage, Anthony dismissed Jean-Clair for violent conduct, judging the defender had grabbed Joao around the throat during the altercation.
The red card means Jean-Clair faces a three-match suspension, which would rule him out of upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Manchester United and Burton.
Tempers had already been high moments earlier after Chelsea completed a dramatic comeback.
West Ham had led 2–0 at half-time through goals from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville. Chelsea responded after the break, with goals from Joao and Marc drawing the home side level before Enzo Fernandez scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.
The FA’s charges now leave both clubs facing potential sanctions, with disciplinary proceedings set to follow once their responses have been submitted.
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