Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and
Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell have been charged by the Football
Association.
The move comes following an exhaustive inquiry into events
which occurred at Stamford Bridge immediately after United's defeat
to Chelsea on April 26, the hosts winning thanks to a disputed
Michael Ballack penalty.
Evra and Bethell were involved in a heated exchange during the
visitors' warm-down.
The FA have taken witness statements during their investigations
and while Evra and Bethell have both been charged with improper
conduct, the Chelsea man has also been accused of using 'abusive
language aggravated by reference to nationality/race'.
As a player, the punishments for Evra, if found guilty, range
from a fine to a ban.
No date for the hearing has been set and with both clubs on
pre-season trips, it may be a while before it is arranged.
"The charges are the result of a thorough investigation
conducted by the FA over the last three months," read an FA
statement.
"In bringing the charges, the FA used video evidence, CCTV
footage and various witness statements from individuals
present."
The FA also probed a post-match incident involving Rio Ferdinand
and a Chelsea steward but the contender for the England captaincy
will face no charges, on the basis that the incident was an
accident and an apology had been made.
The statement continued: "In reaching its decision The FA relied
largely on evidence provided by the steward in question. However,
Ferdinand has been reminded of his responsibilities."