FA JUSTICE FOR JOSE

JOSE MOURINHO has escaped a touchline ban following his Stamford Bridge bust-up.

But the man at the centre of the row, Chelsea coach Marco Ianni, has been charged with improper conduct by the FA and faces a fine and disciplinary action.

In a letter from the FA, Mourinho (right) was “formally reminded of his responsibilities” following the incident sparked by Ianni celebrating in front of the Manchester United manager after Chelsea’s injury-time equaliser on Saturday.

However, the incident could still count against him as he faces another FA charge having been filmed swearing in Portuguese on the touchline after the Reds’ win against Newcastle. The FA take into account previous bad behaviour.

But football chiefs are in a dilemma over what punishment to impose on Ianni, who normally sits in the stands in his role as an analyst and was not supposed to be on the touchline, which the FA have also taken a dim view of. A touchline ban would be meaningless and as a minor figure in Maurizio Sarri’s backroom team, a big fine is unlikely.

He has until 6pm on Thursday to respond, with a three-man FA commission due to hear the case. Sarri and Chelsea have already apologised, while Ianni has personally apologised.

The FA have written to both clubs giving a similar warning with “official reminders in terms of the behaviour expected of their staff and players at all times whilst in the technical area”.

Chelsea are conducting their own investigation and disciplinary process into Ianni’s behaviour, but will not be sacking him. Mourinho said yesterday: “I don’t think he deserves to be sacked.”