Chelsea and West Ham fined over 'mass confrontation'

"It was alleged that Chelsea FC failed to ensure its players didn't behave in an improper and/or provocative way around the 95th minute. It was also alleged that West Ham United FC failed to ensure its players didn't behave in an improper and/or provocative and/or violent way at this time. Both clubs subsequently admitted the charges against them."

"It was not accepted that Mr Cucurella was wholly without fault. He was aware of his actions after conceding the corner kick and returning to his feet. He sought to invite a reaction from Mr Traore. That is not to justify Mr Traore's disproportionate reaction from which the mass confrontation ensued."

Chelsea received a £325,000 fine and West Ham a £300,000 fine following a mass confrontation between players during their Premier League match in January at Stamford Bridge. The incident occurred in added time when Joao Pedro reacted to Adama Traore's shove on Marc Cucurella, escalating into ugly scenes involving multiple players. Jean-Clair Todibo was sent off for grabbing Joao Pedro by the neck. Both clubs admitted to failing to ensure their players behaved properly, with the FA citing Rule E20.1 violations. The independent regulatory commission considered previous breaches by both clubs when determining penalties. The commission noted Cucurella sought to provoke Traore, though this did not justify the subsequent disproportionate reaction and mass confrontation.

Read at www.bbc.com