Chelsea and West Ham have been slapped with monster fines totalling more than £600,000 after their players went to war in THAT stormy London derby back in January.
The Blues were docked £325,000 while the Hammers forked over £300,000 after nearly TWENTY players got involved in a mass brawl at the final whistle of their 3-2 thriller at Stamford Bridge .
The FA threw the book at both clubs on Wednesday, with the governing body accusing Chelsea of failing to control their players’ “improper and/or provocative” behaviour . West Ham copped it even worse, charged with allowing “improper and/or provocative AND violent” conduct .
WHAT WENT DOWN
Rewind to January 31. Chelsea had just battled back from two goals down to nick it 3-2 in stoppage time . Cue absolute chaos.
West Ham winger Adama Traore sparked it all by flooring Marc Cucurella. Joao Pedro then got involved. Players came flying in from everywhere. It was handbags, headlocks, the lot.
Then came the moment that properly cooked West Ham’s goose. Jean Clair Todibo was shown a straight red after VAR spotted him grabbing Pedro by the throat . The Frenchman’s now serving a three match ban on top of this hefty club fine.
WHAT THE FA SAID
The statement was brutal:
“Chelsea failed to ensure its players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 95th minute.”
“West Ham failed to ensure its players didn’t behave in an improper and/or provocative AND violent way at this time.”
Both clubs copped it sweet, admitting the charges and taking their medicine .
THE FALLOUT
It’s not just the fines that’ll sting. Both sets of players have been warned about future conduct, with the FA making it crystal clear they’re done with flashpoints boiling over .
For Chelsea, it’s a hefty slap on the wrist for a side flying high under Liam Rosenior. For West Ham, it’s another kick in the teeth after a season that’s promised plenty but delivered inconsistency .
THE BOTTOM LINE
£625,140 total. One mass brawl. Two clubs licking their wounds.
The FA have sent a message, keep your heads or pay the price. Literally.
