West Ham players told to pay £250,000 incoming FA fine as announcement made
West Ham United may have landed themselves in hot water after an incident that took place during their defeat to Chelsea last Saturday.
Chelsea beat West Ham 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a last-minute winner for the hosts to snatch all three points.
The Hammers had raced into a two-goal lead by half-time, with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville finding the back of the net in West London.
However, the Blues came roaring back in the second period, Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella levelling the scores before Fernandez dealt the killer blow in stoppage time.
West Ham charged for Chelsea brawl
Minutes after Fernandez had scored the winner for Chelsea, a huge brawl broke out in the corner of the pitch between both sets of players.
Adama Traore threw Marc Cucurella to the ground and was subsequently pushed by Pedro, sparking chaotic scenes.
Jean-Clair Todibo raced through the scrum of players to confront Pedro, grabbing the Brazilian by the neck and earning himself a straight red card.
Todibo will now be suspended for three games, missing crucial Premier League clashes against Burnley and Manchester United, as well as an FA Cup Fourth Round tie with Burton Albion.
West Ham are facing further punishment, as the FA announced on Wednesday afternoon that both the Hammers and Chelsea have been charged for failing to control their players.
The two clubs have been given until Friday 6 February to respond to the charges.
Keith Hackett expects substantial fine for West Ham
The Hammers will now have to decide whether to appeal the decision or accept wrongdoing.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes that both Chelsea and West Ham could receive a fine of up to £250,000 if they are found guilty.
Hackett also insisted that the players should be the ones to pay the financial penalty, as they were at fault.
He said: “These incidents are so damaging to the image of our great game.
“Both clubs should prepare for a substantial fine of up to £250,000 each, and I hope that the clubs will have in place an agreement in the players’ contracts that this cost is funded by them.”