United likely to appeal Evra ban

Soccer: Manchester United will assess the Football Association's verdict on the 'Battle of Stamford Bridge' in the cold light of day - but it seems certain they will appeal Patrice Evra's four-match ban.

When a charge of using racist abuse was originally levelled at Chelsea's groundsman, Sam Bethell, amid the post-match furore at Stamford Bridge on April 26th, it was felt Evra would use it as justification for his over-the-top reaction.

Instead, with the FA finding there were no grounds to uphold the charge, which had been transferred to Chelsea anyway after it was decided the governing body had no jurisdiction over an employee, Evra has been left with no defence for his actions and been punished accordingly.

As he is already due to miss the December 13th visit to Tottenham after picking up his fifth booking of the season in last week's Manchester derby, Evra will miss almost a month of domestic action before he can return against, of all clubs, Chelsea at Old Trafford on January 11th.

"Manchester United notes the announcement from the FA and is disappointed with the decision and in particular considers the sanctions against Patrice Evra excessive," said a club statement.

"Manchester United and Patrice will consider all options once there has been an opportunity to digest the full reasons for the decision."

Given the strength of feeling immediately after the game, when chief executive David Gill rejected a request from Chelsea to issue a statement saying there had been no problem, it is difficult to envisage United just accepting Evra's punishment without a fight.

The France full-back and assistant manager Mike Phelan were among those called to give evidence at the two-day hearing. But it seems to have done Evra little good, as he has also been fined £15,000 (€17,000).

Chelsea have been fined £25,000 (€29,000) because of Bethell's conduct.

However, while they accepted their groundsman was incorrect to get involved with United players starting their warm-down, who were already incensed after a controversial 2-1 defeat, they were keen to rid Bethell of the racism tag.

Right from the outset they vowed to defend their man and feel today's outcome has vindicated that stance.

A statement from the Stamford Bridge club read: "Chelsea would like to thank the Football Association for their decision that there was no racist element involved in the incident between Patrice Evra and Sam Bethell, a member of the Chelsea ground staff.

"Chelsea always strenuously denied the racist allegation and that position has been totally vindicated by the FA.

"Alleging racism is one of the most serious accusations that can be made in football. Chelsea has a zero-tolerance attitude towards racism and is fighting hard with the rest of football to rid all forms of discrimination from the game.

"Clearly, the incident was a regrettable one. We will be analysing the detail of the verdict before commenting further."