CHELSEA assistant coach Marco Ianni has been charged with improper conduct following the Manchester United bust-up, the Football Association has announced.
While Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been formally reminded of his responsibilities and both clubs have received similar reminders about the behaviour expected of their staff and players whilst in the technical area.
The governing body said in a statement: “Chelsea coach Marco Ianni has been charged following the game against Manchester United on Saturday.
“It is alleged that his behaviour in the 96th minute constituted improper conduct. He has until 6pm on Thursday 25 October 2018 to respond to the charge.
“In relation to this incident, Jose Mourinho has been formally reminded of his responsibilities whilst both clubs have received similar official reminders in terms of the behaviour expected of their staff and players at all times whilst in the technical area.”
Mourinho was peeved at the way Ianni celebrated Ross Barkley’s injury-time strike, prompting a melee around the tunnel on Saturday.
The Portuguese received an apology from Ianni and Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri and said he considers the matter closed – but that hasn’t stopped The FA revealing this afternoon that they are charging Ianni.
Mourinho today launched an impassioned defence of Ianni, reiterating that has he received an apology and now considers the matter closed.
Mourinho said: “I’m not happy that it’s going too far with the young boy. I don’t think he deserves more than what he got. He apologised to me, I accept his apologies, I think he deserves a second chance.”
But Phil Neville disagrees and believes Ianni should be given the boot by Chelsea.
The England Women manager said on NBC Sports: “Whoever that staff member is of Chelsea has just been an absolute disgrace. No class, no humility.
“He’s gone straight into the face of Jose Mourinho, Michael Carrick and the Manchester United bench and just celebrated in their face. Absolutely disgraceful.
“He’s [Mourinho] the innocent one in all this. The guy on the Chelsea bench has run straight past him, celebrated in his face.
“Sarri celebrates. Then it’s this guy here who goes in front of Jose Mourinho. The first one he clenches his fist, and then as he goes back he celebrates again right in front of him. Disgraceful.
“If I was Maurizio Sarri I’d send that guy in and sack him from the club.”
The issue overshadowed a pulsating 2-2 draw, in which United hit back from Antonio Rudiger’s first-half goal thanks to Anthony Martial’s brace after the interval, only for Barkley to seal a share of the points late on.
Source:www.express.co.uk