Maurizio Sarri has accused members of the Burnley bench of repeatedly calling him a “sh*t Italian” during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw.
Sarri was sent off deep in time added on before an ugly melee broke out between players and staff from both teams at full-time and stewards had to help separate them.
The Italian was incensed at the alleged abuse aimed in his direction by more than one member of Burnley’s backroom staff during the contest. Chelsea have passed on details to referee Kevin Friend, who was expected to include it in his match report. It was received by the FA this morning and they have begun the process of reviewing it.
The incident could have dire consequences at Burnley if Chelsea’s claims are proven. Individuals could be charged under Rule E3 (1) for ‘indecent words or behaviour’ and E3 (2) where an aggravated breach ‘includes a reference to ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation or disability’. Such a rule breach triggers a minimum five-game ban for a first offence and a fine of £20,000.
Standard Sport contacted Burnley on Tuesday morning, who confirmed that they are not as yet conducting their own investigation into Chelsea’s claims. Burnley boss Sean Dyche was not one of the people involved.
Both clubs are likely to be charged with a failure to control their players over the fracas, while Sarri is in danger of receiving a touchline ban for the behaviour that led to his removal.
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, who was heavily involved in the confrontation despite not being part of the squad due to injury, could come under scrutiny for his role in the clash.
Such was Sarri’s anger after the match, he was excused his post-match duties, which fell to his assistant, Gianfranco Zola. “He’s very frustrated,” said Zola. “He’s been sent off and I think he’s been offended as well, so he didn’t feel it was the right thing to speak [publicly]. He’s frustrated at the game, frustrated at being sent off and the other thing.
“I think he’s been told something from their bench but don’t ask me exactly what. I think there will be a follow-up on that. You say words because of the adrenalin, but Maurizio wasn’t happy.”
Dyche played down the incidents, saying: “I don’t think my coaches’ language skills are that good. What went off in the tunnel, it was a bit of handbags, bumbags, manbags, that’s all.”
The result was a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League via a top-four finish. They trail third-placed Tottenham on goal difference but have played a game more than Spurs, Arsenal, who are fifth, and sixth-placed Manchester United.
