The Football Association has dealt with almost three times the number of incidents of players surrounding referees this season or being involved in mass confrontations than they had at the corresponding stage a year ago, the Observer has learned.
The news comes after Chelsea’s players have been heavily criticised for the collective attempt to get Zlatan Ibrahimovic sent off for his challenge on Oscar during the Champions League tie against Paris St Germain.
At this stage last season the FA had charged six clubs from the Premier League down to the Conference National for not controlling their players this way. This season, the number is 16 and the FA was concerned enough to write to every club in those five divisions before Christmas.
