Chelsea hit with fine for Man United antics as Enzo Maresca defends 'discipline problem' claim

The Football Association have fined Chelsea for picking up too many cards during last weekend's clash against Manchester United. Trevoh Chalobah mounted a late comeback for the Blues at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils managed to hold onto their 2-1 lead.

Robert Sanchez was given his marching orders inside the opening five minutes after wiping out Bryan Mbeumo. Ruben Amorim's side capitalised on their advantage, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro beating Filip Jorgensen from close range.

Shortly before the break, the Brazil international levelled the playing field when he was booked a second time for a foul on Andrey Santos. The two cards for Casemiro were the only ones shown to United players during the game, while Chelsea racked up six.

Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Enzo Fernandez, Tosin Adarabioyo and Tyrique George were all cautioned, on top of Sanchez getting a straight red. As confirmed by the Daily Mail, the west London outfit will be fined £25,000 by the FA for receiving six cards.

Chelsea were fined three times for the same offence last season, with the penalties increasing each time. The Blues were initially fined £25,000 for receiving eight yellow cards against Bournemouth in September 2024.

The west Londoners were then fined £50,000 for six bookings against Nottingham Forest in October, and £75,000 for six more against Newcastle United later the same month. Chelsea have already received 12 bookings and a red card in the Premier League this season.

Only four teams have been shown more cards – Bournemouth (14), Crystal Palace (13), Everton (13) and Brighton (13) – but none of which have had a player sent off yet. The Blues, however, have received more bookings than any other side in both the previous two campaigns.

Speaking to reporters last October, Enzo Maresca was asked if his players had a discipline problem. The Chelsea boss said: "It’s something we need to improve but overall, I like the team the way they are fighting.

"I like the way they are becoming a team in these kinds of things. I don’t see any problems about that. For sure, there are things that we can control and do better, for sure no doubt, and probably this is one of the things.

"But if you ask me about the team spirit, the way they are fighting together, the way they are doing things together, I’m very happy," added Maresca. On the fines, he added: "I am not going to pay it!"

Sanchez served his one-match ban against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, making him available for selection again this weekend. On Saturday afternoon, Chelsea will host Brighton at Stamford Bridge as they look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.

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