Chelsea and West Ham sanctioned by FA over mass brawl in January clash | OneFootball

Chelsea and West Ham United have been hit with heavy fines following the explosive scenes that marred their fiery Premier League clash in January.

The Football Association (FA) has confirmed that an independent Regulatory Commission has fined Chelsea £325,000 while West Ham must pay £300,000 after the “mass confrontation” at Stamford Bridge.

There was already plenty of drama to unpack from the match, but tempers flared deep into added time when Adama Traore shoved Marc Cucurella to the ground.

Looking to defend his teammate, Chelsea forward Joao Pedro reacted angrily by shoving Traore, and chaos ensued from there as players from both sides rushed in, forcing referee Anthony Taylor to step in.

After a lengthy VAR review, West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a straight red card for grabbing Pedro by the neck.

In a statement, the FA confirmed that both clubs admitted failing to control their players.

“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,” the FA’s statement read.

“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.”

West Ham had established a comfortable two-goal cushion at half time courtesy of goals from in-form forwards Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.

However, Chelsea produced a masterclass second-half performance to turn the game on its head.

Pedro headed home a pinpoint cross from Wesley Fofana. Marc Cucurella then drew Chelsea level after reacting quickest to a loose ball in West Ham’s 18-yard area.

Pedro then turned provider in stoppage time, setting up Enzo Fernandez, who calmly slotted home to win the game for the Blues.

Chelsea’s next match takes them to the Emirates Stadium, where they’ll face Arsenal, hoping to return to winning ways after back-to-back draws against newly promoted Leeds United and Burnley.