Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas accused of kicking off the Stamford Bridge brawl with Tottenham

Posted Wednesday, May 04, 2016 by Express.co.uk

CESC FABREGAS has been accused of sparking the brawl that ended Chelsea's explosive clash with Tottenham by slapping Spurs players in the groin.

Fabregas was heavily involved in the scenes that ended the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Monday night that saw the game ended in a melee that continued down the tunnel.

But eye witnesses claim that Fabregas slapped more than one player and a member of Spurs staff in the groin as they left the field, sparking reactions.

Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink tried to shepherd the Spaniard away from trouble, revealing that "threatening" words were being used in Spanish and was knocked over in the crush.

But the Dutchman also yelled at Chelsea massage therapist Manoel Ribeiro: "Remember who the f****** boss is and get back into the dressing room" as he tried to restore order.

There was also jostling in the tunnel area after the game and suggestions that Hiddink ordered his players back into their own area to avoid further confrontation. The FA have requested video footage of the incidents from broadcasters.

Mousa Dembele meanwhile will be told today he faces a violent conduct charge for appearing to gouge the eye of Diego Costa.

Today referee Mark Clattenburg reported that none of the officials got a clear enough view of the incident just before half-time, paving the way for the three-man video panel to assess whether his action should have warranted a red card.

Tottenham winger Erik Lamela is also in the dock after appearing to stamp on the hand of Fabregas in a separate incident.

There were also reports that coins were thrown from Tottenham fans at Eden Hazard as he celebrated the equaliser which ended Spurs' title hopes.

The FA today were still sifting through the aftermath of Sunday's 1-1 draw between Leicester and Manchester United.

Robert Huth and Marouane Fellaini have been given until 6pm today to answer violent conduct charges after the former pulled the hair of the latter in the 21st minute, who in turn responded with an elbow.

With a standard three-match ban expected to be the punishment for both players, Huth will miss the Leicester coronation party on Saturday at home to Everton. Fellaini will be free for the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, as United have a game in hand.