Patrice Evra Gets Four Match Ban

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has been banned for four matches and fined £15,000 after the Football Association ruled he attacked Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell at Stamford Bridge last season. Chelsea have also been fined £25,000 because of Bethell's own conduct during the altercation, following the Londoners' controversial 2-1 win. However, an allegation that Bethell had "engaged in racist conduct or language" was not proven, and Chelsea were cleared of that charge. Chelsea will be grateful Bethell's character has not been dragged through the mud, as appeared likely when the charges were first raised. It is thought United assistant boss Mike Phelan was the man who claimed Bethell used racist language towards Evra but the FA clearly did not think there was enough evidence to find the Chelsea groundsman guilty. As Bethell's employer, Chelsea would have been liable on the groundsman's behalf as the FA had already accepted they had no jurisdiction over club employees. ... (link)