The
FA is reviewing video evidence of Branislav Ivanovic's altercation with
James McCarthy during Wednesday's game between Chelsea and Everton.
The incident occurred late on during the Premier League match at Stamford
Bridge - which Chelsea won 1-0 - after Everton's Gareth Barry was sent off
for a trip on Willian.
A mass confrontation ensured and Ivanovic grabbed McCarthy around the neck
before appearing to move his head towards him. McCarthy was booked his part
in the fracas but Ivanovic was not and could face retrospective action.
The FA are awaiting the referee's report and have two days to decide on what
action - if any - to take.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho refused to discuss the issue after the match
and threatened to walk out of his post-match news conference when asked
about Ivanovic's role.
"I'm concerned with my reaction, because one more question (and) I leave,”
he said.
"And after that, you are not happy. The next question for that story, I have
to go."
However, Everton boss Roberto Martinez was more forthcoming and told his
news conference he felt Ivanovic should have been sent off.
"If you look at the images, Ivanovic's behaviour is wrong. That shouldn't be
allowed,” he said.
"He grabs James McCarthy around his neck in a very forceful manner, then he
puts his head against him when James McCarthy never reacted one single bit.
"If you want to be on top of the laws, that's a red card. We got nothing out
of that moment."
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