Patrice Evra charged but Rio is in the clear

19 July 08 by Bill

Patrice Evra has been charged with improper conduct over the incident at Stamford Bridge last season when Manchester United lost 2 – 1 to Chelsea as the season drew to a close.

After the game, the United players were warming down when what was reported as “a brawl” (a better description might be handbags) broke out with Evra at the centre.

A statement on the FA’s website read:

“The FA has today issued charges against Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell in connection with an incident that occured on the pitch after the match at Stamford Bridge on 26 April.
“Both Evra and Bethell have been charged with improper conduct in respect of their altercation. Bethell has also been charged with using abusive language aggravated by reference to nationality/race.”

Rio Ferdinand was involved in a altercation involving a female steward after the match but the FA have issued no charges on the basis that the incident was an accident and an apology had been issued.

You can read the full statement here