Chelsea have been fined £25,000 by the Football Association after admitting a charge of failing to control their players in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Liverpool on August 28.
Referee Anthony Taylor sent off defender Reece James after a handball on the goalline, with Mohamed Salah equalising from the penalty spot.
The Chelsea players were incensed by Taylor’s decision to dismiss James, with the Blues feeling the ball had deflected off the England star’s thigh on to his arm.
A statement from the FA read: ‘Chelsea FC has been fined £25,000 for two breaches of FA rule E20.1 which occurred during their Premier League fixture against Liverpool FC on Saturday 28 August 2021.
‘The club admitted failing to ensure that its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during both the 48th minute of the first half and following the half-time whistle.’
Kai Havertz’s headed goal had put the visitors in front before Salah levelled from the spot.
Players also squared up to each other after Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy kicked the ball away, with his clearance hitting Jordon Henderson.
Chelsea’s 10 men held firm for a point however, leaving both sides unbeaten three matches into the new league campaign.
Both Thomas Tuchel and Cesar Azpilicueta thought Taylor should have looked at more than one replay, with the official making his decision in a matter of seconds.
‘I don’t know anymore what happens and what does not happen. We were just a bit worried that he was just looking at a photo and the photo gives a clear image that it’s a red card and a penalty,’ Tuchel told Sky Sports.
‘For me it was too quick, I would have wished for a longer check and to see the whole situation, where it gets deflected.
‘I can remember referees explaining to us, if it’s a deflection and it’s not a very unnatural arm position, then it’s not a penalty.’
Blues captain Azpilicueta added: ‘Harsh. I feel sorry for Reece. The referee got advice from VAR to give it. He went to the screen to watch one replay.
‘We got the double punishment, red card and a penalty – and two yellow cards in the same action. We were angry.
‘But you have to calm down and find a way to fight together as a team. I think the team fought and maybe we had the best two chances in the second half.’