Branislav Ivanovic will not face any action over his clash with James McCarthy but both Chelsea and Everton have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players.
Melee: Ivanovic clashes with Everton’s James McCarthy
Chelsea’s Serbian defender tangled with Everton midfielder McCarthy during a melee after the sending-off of Gareth Barry in the 86th minute of the London side’s 1-0 win on Wednesday.
A panel of former referees studied the incident but decided it was not worthy of a red card. However both clubs face disciplinary action for “failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion”.
The FA also investigated claims made on social media that Ivanovic had bitten McCarthy – the body studied all video footage and contacted Everton – and found conclusively he had not done so.
Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Eden Hazard has signed a new five-and-a-half-year contract.
Hazard joined Chelsea from Lille in June 2012 and has since made a total 147 appearances for the Blues, scoring 43 goals.
“I am very happy to sign a new contract with Chelsea,” said the Belgian.
“Since I came here in 2012 I have always felt good and the club has been very supportive to me.”
Hazard has scored 13 goals in 36 appearances so far this season, helping Chelsea take a seven-point lead at the top of the table, while also reaching the Capital One Cup final and the last 16 of the Champions League.
“The manager has helped me improve a lot, the fans have been fantastic and I have an amazing understanding with my team-mates,” Hazard continued.
“I always try to give pleasure to the supporters with my style of play and it is nice to know they appreciate my work.”
Blues boss Jose Mourinho criticised Hazard in May last year, claiming “he is not the kind of player ready to sacrifice himself 100 per cent for the team”.
The 24-year-old appears, however, to have earned the trust of his manager, having started every one of Chelsea’s league matches in the current campaign.
“I am very happy that Eden has signed a new contract,” Mourinho said. “It shows he believes in the club’s coaching staff and players to help him become the best player in the world.
“He is already a top player and his evolution has been fantastic. He is still very young and he can become the best.”
