Dream at Celtic

Manchester City and Chelsea have been charged with failing to control their players last Saturday – but Cesc Fabregas has avoided additional sanction after apparently striking Fernandinho.

The Football Association announced the charge after City striker Sergio Aguero’s reckless tackle on Chelsea defender David Luiz prompted a bench-clearing fracas.

Aguero was shown a straight red card, triggering a four-match ban, and Fernandinho was also sent off, with the Brazil midfielder apparently reacting to a slap in the face by Fabregas by shoving the Spain playmaker over the advertising hoardings.

Fabregas was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor following the melee, for adopting an aggressive attitude.

The apparent slap by Fabregas on Fernandinho was not seen by match officials, so it could be reviewed, but no further action will be taken.

Meanwhile boss Pep Guardiola has dismissed concerns about City’s form by suggesting they have played better at times than his Barcelona or Bayern Munich teams.

He also claims he is not concerned by his team’s defensive vulnerabilities and has refused to get drawn in by suggestions they have a disciplinary problem.

City have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 matches while the damaging loss to title rivals Chelsea has also raised questions about their self-restraint.

The sendings-off of Aguero and Fernandinho effectively took City’s tally of red cards this season to six if another, retrospective, punishment for the Argentinian in August is counted.

Speaking at a press conference to preview tonight’s clash against Celtic, Guardiola said: “After Crystal Palace and Burnley I was a little bit worried. I thought, ‘If we play like this, we are not going to go anywhere’.

“But I know I have to adapt to your football. Sorry guys, I need time.

“But the way we play, (it has been) good during that period here. We play good, faster than in Munich and even in Barcelona, when we had one player who was amazing and helped us to create those steps.”

Guardiola is now planning changes for the Celtic clash, which is effectively dead rubber in Group C.

The City boss said: “There will be changes, definitely. It is a good test for us. It is perfect to play them in the last game. I didn’t expect to do it already qualified.”

Fernandinho will miss the visit of Celtic as punishment for his sending off at Borussia Monchengladbach last month.

SNS. Left: Celtic players in training at a wintry Lennoxtown; above: Hoops striker Moussa Dembele wraps up against the cold.

Top: City boss Pep Guardiola; above: Sergio Aguero has been banned for four matches.